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Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed

Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed

Jean Rouch

1948 · 22m

Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed

Initiation à la danse des possédés
February 22, 194822m
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Overview

Filmed in Firgoun, Niger, the film documents an initiation ceremony in which a young Songhay woman undergoes ritual preparation for the dance of possession. Led by zima (ritual priests), the ganandi ceremony teaches the structured movements and ritual practices required for participation in spirit possession rites associated with Kirey, the spirit of thunder. The film records the process through which the initiate is prepared to serve as a ceremonial medium within the community’s ritual tradition.

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