Spirit Possession: Multidisciplinary Approaches to a Worldwide Phenomenon

Possession, a phenomenon challenging Western notions of body-soul dualism, self, and personhood, is reimagined as a form of communication, expressivity, and culturally defined behavior in this book. It redefines possession from the Western notion of the self and explores new research directions, including participant observation and indigenous historiography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 556 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Central European University Press

Possession, a perplexing phenomenon that has vexed scholars for generations, challenges deeply ingrained Western notions of body-soul dualism, self, and personhood. Rooted in Christian models of possession, which were often categorized as "good" or "bad," this phenomenon has posed significant complexities. However, the authors of the essays collected in this book offer a fresh and promising perspective. They perceive spirit possession as a form of communication, expressivity, and culturally defined behavior that should be understood within the context of local, vernacular theories and empirical reflections.

In an effort to reimagine the comparative anthropology of spirit possession, the editors have created pathways between previously disparate fields of research. Collaborating across various historical periods and diverse European, African, South American, and Asian cultural contexts, anthropologists and historians strive to redefine possession, liberating it from the Western notion of the self and clarifying its distinctiveness from related phenomena such as witchcraft, devotion, or mysticism. Moreover, the book provides a comprehensive overview of emerging research directions, including innovative methods of participant observation and approaches to spirit possession as indigenous historiography.

By exploring these new avenues, the authors of this book aim to shed light on the intricate and multifaceted nature of spirit possession, offering a deeper understanding of this phenomenon and its cultural significance. Their innovative approach challenges traditional perspectives and provides a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology.

Weight: 950g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633864135