Zar: Spirit Possession, Music, and Healing Rituals in Egypt

Zar is a possessing spirit and a set of reconciliation rites between spirits and their human hosts, practiced by Muslim women in Egypt. It incorporates elements from popular Islamic Sufi practices and provides moral orientation, social support, and a sense of belonging. This new ethnographic study explores the history, culture, and waning practice of zar in a modernizing world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

The captivating world of zar, a captivating spirit and a set of reconciliation rites between spirits and their human hosts, is explored in this comprehensive ethnographic study. Living in a parallel yet invisible realm, these capricious spirits manifest their anger through ailments that require ritual reconciliation, a private sacrificial rite practiced routinely by afflicted devotees. Originating from Ethiopia and spreading through the nineteenth-century slave trade, zar has incorporated elements from popular Islamic Sufi practices, including devotion to Christian and Muslim saints. The ceremonies initiate devotees, primarily Muslim women, into a community centered on a cult leader, providing them with moral orientation, social support, and a sense of belonging. Practicing zar rituals, dancing to zar songs, and experiencing trance restore their well-being, which had been compromised by gender asymmetry and globalization.

This new ethnographic study, based on two years of multi-sited fieldwork and firsthand knowledge as a participant, offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and waning practice of zar in a modernizing world. Through the collection and analysis of over three hundred zar songs, the author uncovers previously overlooked levels of meaning, providing a comprehensive and accessible exposition of this captivating tradition. The study sheds light on the ways in which Muslim women navigate the complexities of their lives, seeking solace and healing in the world of zar. It also highlights the cultural significance of zar in Egyptian society, as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing social and political landscape.

In conclusion, this ethnographic study of zar in Egypt offers a rich and nuanced understanding of this captivating spirit and its role in the lives of Muslim women. Through its exploration of history, culture, and practice, it provides valuable insights into the ways in which individuals seek meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world.

ISBN-13: 9781649032423