Book

Horses, musicians & gods: the Hausa cult of possession-trance

Bergin & Garvey Publishers • South Hadley, Mass. • Published In 1983 • Pages:

By: Besmer, Fremont E..

Abstract

Besmer's study deals with the Hausa bori cult of spirit-possession, or possesion-trance, as practiced in Nigeria. Besmer focuses on the cult's adepts, or trancers, and the musicians who also play an important role in trance events. The author presents a detailed analysis of the social organization of bori spirits, which is a reflection of Hausa social organization. Hausa social stratification is revealed by Besmer's description of Jangare, the dwelling place of bori spirits, and also by his descriptions of trance events. According to Besmer, possession trance events serve both curing and initiation functions, and the bori cult provides an opportunity for the Hausa, particularly Hausa women, to redefine their positions in society.

HRAF PubDate

1997

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Western Africa

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ronald N. Johnson; 1995

Field Date

Sept. 1972 - Dec. 1973

Coverage Date

not specified

Coverage Place

northern Nigeria

Notes

Fremont E. Besmer

Includes bibliographical references (p. 277-280) and index

LCCN

81010153

LCSH

Hausa (African people)