“It Makes Me Complete”
Ideas of Possession October 29, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/9780197679951.003.0011
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSpirit possession is best understood not as a universal phenomenon but as a culturally specific practice shaped by social context. Based on fieldwork in Brazilian religious communities, particularly candomblé, the chapter presents an interview with a member about his difficult path into the religion and his experience with the divine. Comments from candomblé members reflecting on their personal experiences of possession are used to argue for a deictic approach that emphasizes the importance of local social and cultural contexts over universalist interpretations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Ethnography Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Members of candomblé communities in Brazil |
| Key finding | Spirit possession should be understood deictically, recognizing the importance of social and cultural contexts, rather than through a universalist approach. |
Abstract
Abstract Drawing on fieldwork in different religious communities in Brazil, this chapter explores spirit possession as cultural practice, with a particular focus on candomblé, one of the most celebrated African-derived religions in Brazil. The chapter includes an interview with one member about his difficult journey into this religion and his experience with the divine. Drawing on comments from members of candomblé communities reflecting on their personal experiences of spirit possession, the chapter argues against a universalist approach to spirit possession, arguing rather for a deictic understanding that recognizes the importance of social and cultural contexts.