Mwanagori Cave is a limestone karst cavern that lies on the road between Jambiani and Makunduchi, close to Shuungi. The cave is inset within a limestone cliff and is surrounded by a small grove that has been deemed sacred. The entrance to the cave is narrow and require sure-footedness, and is partially screened by rows of boulders. The ritual significance of this cave and the antiquity of human use is evidenced by the the deep wearing and polishing of the stones leading into the cave. Within the cave, in a dark recess lies a pool of fresh water, near which a spirit or Shetani is supposed to reside. The word "Shetani" is etymologically linked with the Arabic word "Shaitan" ("satan/demon"). This places Mwanagori squarely in the Zanzibari pattern in which caves with a pool/spring of fresh water are considered sacred due to the presence/residence of spirits known as Shetani. In Zanzibari practice, the shetani are venerated even though the population of the island is overwhelmingly Muslim. The syncretic nature of ...