Trance and Possession Practices

This chapter addresses the question of how to research something that cannot be observed or measured: trance and possession practices. It provides a critical overview of past research before presenting arguments in favour of scholarly approaches that do not fall into the pitfall of prejudice and misconception and do not exoticize these experiences and practices as theater or entertainment. Drawing on empirical research on African-derived religions and their context in wider Indigenous cultures, this chapter asks how scholars might study ‘something we cannot see’ and reflects on the position of researchers when conducting research in cultures with possession and trance practices. Conclusions encourage attention to bodies and materiality, and a powerful invitation to researchers to be ‘overwhelmed’ in more immersive experiences than are typically labeled ‘observation’

Art · Linguistics · Possession (linguistics) · Sociology · Trance · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Anthropology · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Philosophy · Psychology