Synopses & Reviews
"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."and#8212;
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."and#8212;Bruce Kapferer, American Ethnologist
"A vivid story that will appeal to a wide audience. . . . The voices of individual Songhay are evident and forceful throughout the story. . . . Like a painter, [Stoller] is concerned with the rich surface of things, with depicting images, evoking sensations, and enriching perceptions. . . . He has succeeded admirably." and#8212;Michael Lambek, American Anthropologist
"Events (ceremonies and life histories) are evoked in cinematic style. . . . [This book is] approachable and absorbingand#8212;it is well written, uncluttered by jargon and elegantly structured."and#8212;Richard Fardon, Times Higher Education Supplement
"Compelling, insightful, rich in ethnographic detail, and worthy of becoming a classic in the scholarship on Africa."and#8212;Aidan Southall, African Studies Review
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-239) and index.
Synopsis
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 appeal to a wide audience. . . . The voices of individual Songhay are evident and forceful throughout the story. . . . Like a painter, Stoller is concerned with the rich surface of things, with depicting images, evoking sensations, and enriching perceptions. . . . He has succeeded admirably. --Michael Lambek, American Anthropologist Events (ceremonies and life histories) are evoked in cinematic style. . . . This book is approachable and absorbing--it is well written, uncluttered by jargon and elegantly structured.--Richard Fardon, Times Higher Education SupplementCompelling, insightful, rich in ethnographic detail, and worthy of becoming a classic in the scholarship on Africa.--Aidan Southall, African Studies Review
About the Author
andlt;Bandgt;Paul Stollerandlt;Bandgt; teaches anthropology at West Chester University and Temple University. He is the author of numerous books including andlt;Iandgt;Money Has No Smellandlt;Iandgt; and andlt;Iandgt;Jaguar,andlt;Iandgt; both published by the University of Chicago Press.
Table of 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