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Wombs and Alien Spirits: Women, Men, and the Zar Cult in Northern Sudan (New Directions in Anthropological Writing),Used
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Based on nearly two years of ethnographic fieldwork in a Muslim village in northern Sudan, Wombs and Alien Spirits explores the zr cult, the most widely practiced traditional healing cult in Africa. Adherents of the cult are usually women with marital or fertility problems, who are possessed by spirits very different from their own proscribed roles as mothers. Through the woman, the spirit makes demands upon her husband and family and makes provocative comments on village issues, such as the increasing influence of formal Islam or encroaching Western economic domination. In accommodating the spirits, the women are able metaphorically to reformulate everyday discourse to portray consciousness of their own subordination.Janice Boddy examines the moral universe of the village, discussing female circumcision, personhood, kinship, and bodily integrity, then describes the workings of the cult and the effect of possession on the lives of men as well as women. She suggests that spirit possession is a feminist discourse, though a veiled and allegorical one, on women's objectification and subordination. Additionally, the spirit world acts as a foil for village life in the context of rapid historical change and as such provides a focus for cultural resistance that is particularly, though not exclusively, relevant to women.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'Wombs and Alien Spirits'? A: The book explores the zâr cult in northern Sudan, examining its impact on women, particularly regarding marital and fertility issues, and how spirit possession challenges traditional gender roles.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Wombs and Alien Spirits' is Janice Boddy, who conducted nearly two years of ethnographic fieldwork in a Muslim village in northern Sudan.
- Q: What topics are covered in this book? A: The book covers topics such as female circumcision, kinship, personhood, bodily integrity, and the cultural implications of spirit possession in the context of village life.
- Q: How many pages does 'Wombs and Alien Spirits' have? A: The book contains 424 pages.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on December 15, 1989.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is in new condition.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'Wombs and Alien Spirits' is suitable for academic study, particularly in anthropology, gender studies, and religious studies.
- Q: Does this book address modern issues related to women? A: Yes, the book discusses how the zâr cult and spirit possession serve as a form of cultural resistance and reflect contemporary issues affecting women in society.
- Q: Can this book be used as a resource for understanding traditional healing practices? A: Yes, it provides insights into traditional healing practices in Africa, specifically through the lens of the zâr cult and its cultural significance.