article

Spirit mediumship in Upper Egypt

Anthropos • 102 • Published In 2007 • Pages: 403-419

By: Hopkins, Nicholas S..

Abstract
This article discusses the religious life of rural villagers in Upper Egypt as observed in 1930s. The focus is on spirit mediums whose world view combine elements of both traditional religions and Islam. Based on the life of a male spirit medium who was studied by a German anthropologist in 1930s, the article observes important patterns relating to the processes through which a person could (or could not) become a spirit medium.
Subjects
Magical and mental therapy
Revelation and divination
Cult of the dead
Ecstatic religious practices
General character of religion
Magicians and diviners
Community structure
Settlement patterns
Morbidity
Religious denominations
Domesticated animals
Religious experience
Burial practices and funerals
Special burial practices and funerals
Family relationships
Spirits and gods
Life history materials
culture
Fellahin
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Northern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem; 2010
Field Date
1975-2006
Coverage Date
1930-2006
Coverage Place
Egypt, Kiman village in Upper Egypt
Notes
Nicholas S. Hopkins
Includes bibliographical references (p. 418-419)
LCCN
07021775
LCSH
Peasantry--Egypt
Egypt--Social life and customs