Exam 2 Defs and ?s Flashcards
“we” produce knowledge
Pluralis Ethnographicus
beggar-pupil, Qur’anic student who earns living by begging
Garibus
official/primary language
Lingua Franca
Magical amulet
Gris-gris
government controlled by religious leader, religious gov
theocracy
soft water, curdled milk mixed w/sugar and water
baani hari
Qur’anic student, particularly student at advanced level of Islamic education
Talibé
method of divination based on Arabic geomancy
Turaabu
alms, donation
saraa
school
Madrasah
religious teacher
Marabout
jar holding the water in which pupils at Qur’anic schools wash off their writing boards
Nesi-kusu
spirits
Djinn
ritualized self-flagellation of one’s body in grief
Latmiya
Shi’i supreme religious leader
Marja’
What methods did Mommersteeg employ for his research?
He used participant-observation where he lived and participated in the community with the people he was working with, interviewed people, and collected personal histories.
Briefly discuss Ramadan
Ramadan is the month of fasting and abstaining, it’s the fourth pillar of Islam
How old is “ancient Djenné”? And what size of the population of this old city drop as they moved to the nearby new Djenné?
It’s been inhabited since the 3rd century BC, the population most likely dropped due to the rise of traders that distanced themselves from polytheistic practices, trading power of traditional merchants waning, and prosperity ending
How many Qur’anic schools were in sixteenth-century Djenné?
60 schools
What blessing should follow after someone speaks Muhammad’s name?
May God bless him and give him peace
What does the author think determines the success or failure of anthropological fieldwork?
The kind of relationship fieldworkers establish w/people they are interacting with
What is the distinction between “Islam” and “maraboutage” according to Boubakar?
Maraboutage is about esoteric knowledge and practices including amulet making and divination that can only be studied on location while Islam could be studied by reading in Arabic
What are two kinds of marabouts according to Boubakar?
Sirri (amulet making, and divination, they work at night and pursue personal/worldly goals) and bayaanu (teach at Qur’anic schools and the 6 articles of faith are the heart of their knowledge, the Qur’an is where they gain knowledge)
What are the five pillars of Islam?
Profession of faith, ritual prayers, paying alms tax to benefit poor, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca
What are the six articles of faith?
Oneness of God, prophets sent by God, holy books, angels/humans/spirits/demons created by God, God will destroy world and then resurrect people, everything is work of God
What did the marabout tell the author he could do for people in the Netherlands?
He said he could ensure that their wealth would increase, could offer protection, help with jobs/exams/romance
How do students learn to read and write in elementary Qur’anic schools in Djenné?
Marabout writes letters/words/verses on student’s board and reads them, the student repeats the lesson until they can recite it perfectly, instruction doesn’t lead to literacy and pupils might never really learn the meaning of what they’re saying
What are three occasions when a marabout might recite gaara?
Holiday celebrations, religious meetings, transitional periods (naming of child), boys emerging after two weeks of seclusion following circumcision, returning to house after burial of someone
What are the two kinds of spirits?
Djinn and malaika (higher spirits/angels)
What role does incense play in rituals to summon spirits?
It’s the food for the spirits so it’s used as an offering to the summoned spirit
What is the origin of Arabic?
God gave the language to angels who passed it on to Adam (making it the oldest language)
What are three kinds of amulets?
Alhidjaba- protection from dangers that threaten people
Yer Koy naarey- all amulets, asking/entreating God, could insure someone is loved, raise intelligence, or guaranteeing a good harvest
Dabari- something bad, can be used maliciously to harm or kill someone
What is an example of bad work?
Fabricating money (accumulating wealth using sirri knowledge),
Briefly explain baraka
A blessing or grace, it’s something that must be worked for and it can only be received by respecting others. Earning favor with God
Provide three examples of change in Djenné in 2007
People have phones, more hotels, a dam and road were built, 2 secular schools established
How does the layer of mud plaster covering the wall of the bathroom reflect change in Djenné?
The consequences of increased westernization have influenced home life, the pollution is seeping into the walls
What is the purpose of Spellman-Poots’ article?
To reorganize and show how the young Shias in Britain are changing/modernizing traditional practices (how conceptions/practices of Shi’i faith are being questioned by young Shi’is in British society)
In addition to expressing regret and solidarity with Hussein’s suffering, what do the lamentations and performance of latmiya bring to participants?
It brings them a holy reward (ajr) that can be used on judgement day
Who was Zaynab and how is her role in Shi’a religion reflected in contemporary Ashura in Britain?
Hussein’s sister, she functions as an inspirational figure for Shi’a girls/women to stand up and speak out against injustice in the world
What are some of the functions of the Ashura ritual in contemporary British society?
It allows for self reflection and purification, it serves as an educational tool to allow outsiders to learn more about the faith, and it allows people to call out injustice
What role does the Imam Hussein Blood Donation campaign fill for contemporary Shiites in the UK?
It fills in for the act of shedding blood while allowing them to help others in need
