Fusion of the Worlds : An Ethnography of Possession among the Songhay of Niger

Rating:
Summary: The fusions
Review: I am currently taking the anthropology class of Dr. Stoller (Magic, Religion & Witchcraft. He gave the class quite a few great books to read, including his. From reading his book, I learned what the title actually means: the social world, the one we live in & the world of the spirits. These are fused when the spirits leave their world and come in contact with ours by taking a medium's body, to transmite a message. Its the possesion of the body and mind, the fusion we cant see, while the medium sees the natural & supernatural. I recommend his book and his teachings!

Rating:
Summary: Possesion beyond watching the exorcist
Review: Stoller does an excellent job explaining the various types of possesion ceremonies among the Songhay culture. It's fascinating to picture how the spirits of the outside world can enter a mediums body to basically communicate with the people of Songhay regarding good and bad things occuring within the community. These people turn to the spirit world turn recieve help with settling disputes, having a good harvest in the future, venting their hate for colonialism,etc. But, not only does Stoller do a good job of explaining these various types of spirits, but he also does a wonderful job of interpreting many fascinating ceremonies that he attended. You feel like your actually there, witnessing a spirit taking over a medium's body. I am currently a student of Stoller's, and it was our assignment to read this book. I liked it very much I am continuing my reasearch of spirit-possesion in the future to learn all I can about a subject that's so intriguing. Stoller's book is awesome!