One swarm, two meanings

Cowan’s locust accounts

Why could one locust swarm mean two different things? Cowan records an omen in Silesia and different accounts from southern Africa.

Cowan’s locust accounts

In Silesia, Cowan records the swarm as an omen—a belief people attached to the insects’ arrival.

Cowan’s locust accounts

Cowan also records people eating locusts in southern Africa—a historical food practice he gathered from reports.

Cowan’s locust accounts

He records rain-doctors who promised to bring locusts through incantations: a reported belief and promise.

Cowan’s locust accounts

One swarm, three kinds of story in Cowan: omen, food practice, and rain-making promise—each a different report.

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