essay

To converse with the Gods: the Rungus BOBOLIZAN -- spirit medium and priestess

seen and the unseen : shamanism, mediumship and possession in borneo2 • Published In 1993 • Pages: 3-53

By: Appell, George N., Appell, Laura W. R..

Abstract
This article is on female spirit mediums, the BOBOLIZAN. The Appells argue that the bobolizan are distinct from shamans and other religious types, because their trances are not soul journeys, or forms of spirit possession. Rather they are disassociative states akin to dreaming. A trance consists of a conversation between the bobolizan and her spirit familiar, or LUMA'AG. There are two major groups of supernatural beings: celestial gods (OSUNDUW) and spirits, which include the ROGON and rice spirits (ODU-ODU). The ROGON are spirits of the physical and social environment. They are generally feared because they cause of sickness. RUSOD are a more benevolent type of rogon and are household guardians. Rice spirits are responsible for agricultural yields. The body has multiple souls that correspond to the different gods and spirits. The HATOD is the counterpart of the RUSOD and the DIVATO, or LUGU', are counterparts to celestial gods. With the help of her spirit familiar, the bobolizan intercedes in cases of disease, misfortune, infertility, and crop failure. Seven photos are included.
Subjects
Theory of disease
Religious beliefs
Revelation and divination
Magicians and diviners
culture
Rungus Dusun
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Southeast Asia
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2000
Field Date
1959-1963, 1986-1992
Coverage Date
1959-1992
Coverage Place
Kudat District, Sabah, Malaysia
Notes
George N. Appell and LAura W. R. Appell
Includes bibliographical references (p. 49-53)
LCCN
93072413
LCSH
Dusun (Bornean people)