article

Music and spirit possession at a Shona bira

African Music Journal5 (4) • Published In 1975 • Pages: 130-139

By: Berliner, Paul, African Music Society (South Africa), International Library Of African Music..

Abstract
This document describes spirit possession ceremonies ([n]bira[/n]) with particular emphasis on the nature of the music and the interaction among participants at these events. It argues that rituals provide everyone an opportunity to take part by singing, dancing and sharing community sentiment.
Subjects
Revelation and divination
General character of religion
Eschatology
Cult of the dead
Organized ceremonial
Theory of disease
Sorcery
Prayers and sacrifices
Music
Musical instruments
Dance
Verbal arts
Social personality
Spectacles
culture
Shona
HRAF PubDate
2014
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi A. Adem; 2012
Field Date
1971-1975
Coverage Date
1971-1975
Coverage Place
Zimbabwe
Notes
by Paul Berliner
Includes bibliographical references (p. 138)
LCCN
60045755
LCSH
Shona (African people)