Fusion of the worlds : an ethnography of possession among the Songhay of Niger / Paul Stoller.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stoller, Paul.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Songhai (African people).

Spirit possession--Niger.

Spirit possession.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (270 p.)

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 1997, c1989.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

""This ethnography is more like a film than a book, so well does Stoller evoke the color, sight, sounds, and movements of Songhay possession ceremonies.""-Choice ""Stoller brilliantly recreates the reality of spirit presence; hosts are what they mediate, and spirits become flesh and blood in the 'fusion' with human existence. . . . An excellent demonstration of the benefits of a new genre of ethnographic writing. It expands our understanding of the harsh world of Songhay mediums and sorcerers.""-Bruce Kapferer, American Ethnologist ""A vivid story that will a

Contents:

CONTENTS; Prologue; Acknowledgments; Personae; 1 Looking for Serci; Part One: Organization of the Possession Troupe; 2 Zimas from Tillaberi; 3 Gusabu's Mediums; 4 Praise-Singers from the River; 5 Cries of the Violin, Rhythms of the Drum; Part Two: Theaters of Songhay Experience; 6 Rain Dance: Rites of the Ancestors; 7 Horrific Comedy: The Hauka; Part Three: Possession in a Changing World; 8 Sexual Comedy: The Sasale; 9 Two Mouths, Two Hearts; Epilogue: Fusion of the Worlds; Notes; Glossary; References; Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-239) and index.

ISBN:

9786612537462

9781282537460

1282537466

9780226775494

0226775496

OCLC:

814522332