Full Description
This historical ethnography from Central Sudan explores the century-old intertwining of zar , spirit possession, with past lives of ex-slaves and shows that, despite very different social and cultural contexts, zar has continued to be shaped by the experience of slavery.
Contents
PART I: BACKGROUND Remembering Spirits and Sufis in Central Sudan PART II: THE HOUSE OF ZAINAB The Ottoman Ranks Colonialism and Colonization Independence, Islamism, and Modernity PART III: THE HOUSE OF SPIRITS The World of Red Spirits Nations of Spirits Serving the Spirits PART IV: DEALING WITH POWER Bargaining with Power Spirits at Play Sacrifice PART V: NOT A MOMENT TO LOSE Slavery Remembered: Lessons from the Zar
