A casa di Alì. Il linguaggio dei posseduti, il gioco dei corpi

In this essay the authoress describes one of the various healing sessions or hadras, which she attended filming and photographing during her fieldwork in Ethiopia. In this case the ritual took place in avillage at some distance from Dessie (Wollo). The curer Teshome Feleke assumes the name of Ali andacts as “Allah representative”. Hadrasare night sessions dedicated to healing and consulting about different questions which are not necessarily linked to physical health. The authoress observes that they are mostly family controversies and that Ali settles the disputes with the consent of local authorities. Ali is a “great possessed”, he speaks behind the cover a small curtained window, he boasts a pleasant voice and also heals thoseaffected by buda, sheitan or zarby means of a “drum treatment” with the cooperation of some loyal assistants. Hadrasare intense circumstances: Ali’s small lodging is crowded with Christian and Muslim followersseeking his aid. Males and females are separated by a thin wall. The brotherhood’s elders sing prayersto Allah, clap their hand and chew chat. Many women go into trance and dance. Sometimes Ali joins the dance and also goes into trance.