Book
Fusion of the worlds: an ethnography of possession among the Songhay of Niger
University of Chicago Press • Chicago • Published In 1989 • Pages:
By: Stoller, Paul.
Abstract
For this ethnography, the author became a novitiate in a cult in order to provide an insider view of Songhai religion and magic. It is an intimate and evocative portrayal of a Songhai possession troupe and the spiritual world it both embodies and invokes. Topics covered include: the different kinds of spirits and the history of their incorporation into the Songhai pantheon; the different ceremonies, including those associated with rainmaking, healing, and initiation; and the different kinds of religious specialists, including possession priests, spirit mediums, praise-singers, magicians, and helpers.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2016
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Western Africa
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard; 2016
- Field Date
- 1970-1971, 1976-1977, 1979-1987
- Coverage Date
- 1970-1987
- Coverage Place
- Tillabéri and Mehanna, Tillabéri region, Niger
- Notes
- Paul Stoller
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-239) and index
- LCCN
- 88029205
- LCSH
- Songhai (African people)
- Spirit possession--Niger