Chapter Four. The Paradigm Of Authority

The structures of the mythic court at the shrine of Ben Yeffu are epitomized in its design and organization. The square design of the court is intended to play the discursive role of both communication and surveillance within the maraboutic institution. The design of the shrine evinces the institution as a disciplinary apparatus where power is exerted by means of observation. At Ben Yeffu, the mythic court does not only take place during the proceeding of jinn eviction practiced by the healers but also during the invisible jinn eviction practiced by the saint during the patient's trance or dream. The Saint's devotees are destined to linger in their opiate trance and may never take cognizance of the fact that there is no permanency to the cure save for their re-enactment of their servitude to the saint, his descendents and all types of impostors.Keywords: Ben Yeffu; jinn eviction; maraboutic institution; mythic court

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