Book

Fusion of the worlds: an ethnography of possession among the Songhay of Niger

University of Chicago PressChicago • 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.
Subjects
Normal garb
Special garments
Music
Musical instruments
Magical and mental therapy
Cosmology
Animism
Spirits and gods
Prayers and sacrifices
Revelation and divination
Magic
Magicians and diviners
Priesthood
Religious denominations
culture
Songhai
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