A review of existing literature on spirit possession in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, focusing on the cults and religious practices in Šäwa. The text examines the cultural and anthropological dimensions of these possession traditions, their role within Amhara society, and their relationship to broader religious frameworks. The review synthesizes prior scholarship to outline the characteristics, social functions, and interpretations of spirit possession phenomena in this context.
Study at a glance
Design
review
Key finding
The review summarizes anthropological and religious scholarship on spirit possession cults among the Amhara in Šäwa, detailing their cultural and social significance.