Islam in Africa 
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 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
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| Title: | The ludic side of Islam and its possible fate in Mayotte |
| Author: | Lambek, M. |
| Year: | 1987 |
| Periodical: | Omaly sy anio: revue d'études historiques (ISSN 0255-0385) |
| Issue: | 25-26 |
| Pages: | 99-122 |
| Language: | English |
| Notes: | biblio. refs. |
| Geographic terms: | Mayotte Comoros Indian Ocean islands |
| Subjects: | Islam dance music Anthropology, Folklore, Culture Traditional culture Religious practice |
| Abstract: | One of the most characteristic features of Islam in Mayotte (Comoro Archipelago) is the frequent performance of religious music and dance. The three most popular forms are the 'Daira', the 'Mulidi' and the 'Maulida Shengy'. Some forms are linked to Islamic orders, a link which is nominal in the sense that the orders themselves have virtually no significance for the majority of the participants except insofar as they provide a means to organize musical performances. The performances articulate social relationships, playing a role in both the ceremonial exchange system that links and constitutes Mayotte villages and in the formulation of family ties through various life crisis rituals. More than this, the musical events may be considered 'cultural performances' since they elicit tremendous interest and support and provide a significant symbol of Mayotte social and religious identity. Performances are significant for the quality of experience they provide, an experience which is at once deeply religious and extremely pleasurable. In recent years, however, the performances are increasingly becoming acts of leisure, the compartmentalized form of play characteristic of capitalist societies which is no longer dignified by its intrinsic association to ritual work. The article is based on data collected during three field trips of varying duration (14 months in 1975-1976, 6 weeks in 1980, 4 months in 1985). Notes, ref., sum. in French and Malagasy. |
