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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Two Faces of Saints in the Maghreb: Women and Veneration of the Saints in North Africa
Author:Bartels, EdienISNI
Year:1987
Periodical:Maghreb Review
Volume:12
Issue:5-6
Period:September-December
Pages:145-155
Language:English
Geographic terms:Tunisia
Algeria
Libya
Morocco
Northern Africa
Subjects:marabouts
women
Women's Issues
Religion and Witchcraft
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Cultural Roles
research
Abstract:This article, which is based on fieldwork carried out between 1976 and 1981 in the Tunisian village of 'Ain el Masriqi, examines the veneration of saints by women, particularly as an expression of protest against their subordinate position in society. Starting point is Fatima Mernissi's thesis (1977) that shrines in the Maghreb are places where rebellion against the social system is permitted, and even encouraged. It was found that, on the one hand, saints in Tunisia represent patriarchal ideals. Thus by visiting saints women confirm the patriarchal structure of society. On the other hand, however, the rituals surrounding the saints and the symbolism involved show that the saints themselves are a protest against sexual inequality. In Tunisia, the saints appear to have two faces: they are both rebels against and supporters of the existing order of male domination. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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