Bible Encyclopedias
Kumano-Goo

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

a species of ordeal in use among the Japanese for the detection of crime. The goo is a piece of paper, formally sealed with the signet of the Jammabos (q.v.), on which are drawn several mysterious characters, and the figures of various ill-omened birds. All goos are not of equal value; the most powerful, and those most dreaded by the daemons, come from a place called Kumano. The ordeal above named consists in making the accused party swallow a small piece of goo in a certain quantity of water. If he be guilty, the goo twinges and gripes him in the most violent manner, till he is obliged to confess his guilt.

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Kumano-Goo'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​k/kumano-goo.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.