Spirits at Play

Abstract

In zar terms, it is primarily through ritual that obligations (al-wajba) to the spirits are met. Ritual demonstrates the hostess’s public commitment to serve the spirits and to meet their material demands. The expectation of return is equally public; should the patient not recover, then either the offerings are somehow deficient (the most likely interpretation) or the spirits themselves have broken the trust (amana) and the hostess should reconsider their deal. The latter is never done lightly, despite protestations when things go wrong after a major ritual commitment. Grandmother Khadiga was the only person I have spoken with to admit that she walked away from zar—but even she still had her Box at home, occasionally offering incense to calm her own restless spirit.