The Zar Trade: Belonging to Tayfat al-Zar
The Zar Trade: Belonging to Tayfat al-Zar
This chapter examines the socialization and localization of space and time in the zar ritual complex through elaborate and deliberate practices of performance, representation, and actions. In particular, it shows how zar connectivity builds community within the old quarters of Cairo. The chapter begins with a brief introduction about the relevance of anthropologist Arjun Appadurai's work on the production of locality to zar practices. It then considers historiographical studies of women in Cairo and zar as a remnant of a guild corporation (tayfah). It also explores zar divination practices as passiones by presenting the stories of three diviners as case studies of professional zar activities.
Keywords: socialization, localization, zar ritual, Cairo, Arjun Appadurai, women, guild corporation, divination, passiones
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