“It Makes Me Complete”
Ideas of Possession October 29, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/9780197679951.003.0011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Ethnography Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Members of candomblé communities in Brazil |
| Key findings | 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.