Spirits, Islam and Ideology: A Study of a Tukulor Weavers' Song (Dillere)

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Periodical article

Title:	Spirits, Islam and Ideology: A Study of a Tukulor Weavers' Song (Dillere)
Author:	Dilley, Roy M.
Year:	1987
Periodical:	Journal of Religion in Africa
Volume:	17
Issue:	3
Period:	October
Pages:	245-279
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Senegal
Subjects:	Toucouleur weaving praise poetry (form) Religion and Witchcraft Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Architecture and the Arts literature music
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/1580877.pdf
Abstract:	This paper investigates the position of a particular group of craftsmen who are considered to belong to a much wider cross-cultural category of 'caste' groups that are held to be 'despised and scorned'. It studies a systematic body of ideas and cosmology surrounding the activities of a group of Tukulor weavers/praise-singers of the Senegal river basin, focusing on how some of these ideas are embedded in a weavers' song. A discussion of Islam and craftsmen, and of Tukulor ideological dualism is followed by an analysis of one particular 'dillere' or praise-poem and its performance. Through the song presented, one of the common themes which runs through much of the literature on the conceptions of these specialized groups in society is highlighted, that is, the association of these craftsmen and musicians with particular types of spiritual forces and with the performance of certain ritual functions. An appendix contains the Pulaar text of the song with an English translation. Bibliogr., notes.