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Weaving through Islam in Senegal explores how artists practice their craft work in the contexts of Sufism and daily life in central Senegal. Drawing from 17 months of ethnographic study, this volume is a close look at everyday practices of religious beliefs and arts practices in two weaving communities. Placed in context of this region's religious history, this book describes a contemporary religious diversity that includes Sufism, indigenous religions, and an environment rich in artistic expressions of belief. By focusing on weavers' perspectives on Islam in daily life, illuminated through personal interviews, this book explores the relationships between artists and their beliefs. Religious beliefs are not their only motivation for weaving, though. Weavers integrate their religious affiliations with their familial, ethnic, and regional heritages, creating a set of beliefs that inspires their art work.
Une étude du mode de travail et de la pratique de l'Islam de tisserands du centre du Sénégal. L'étude porte sur deux communautés d'artisans: à Thiès et à Ndem (situé non loin de Bambey)
List of Figures ix
Series Editors’ Preface: Weaving Nests of Cloth: Images and Practices / Andrew Strathern and Pamela J. Stewart xi
Acknowledgments xv
Note on Translation, Orthography and Pronunciation xvii
Introduction to the Weaving Workshops of Thiès and Ndem 1
Social Relationships and Belief in Thiès and Ndem 3
Weaving History from Archaeology, Travelogues and Oral Tradition 9
Explanation of the Study 12
Book Outline 15
Chapter One • Beliefs, Practices and Innovations 17
Discourse and Belief 17
Creating and Implementing Beliefs 19
Signification, Performativity and Improvisation 23
Discursive and Material Expression 27
Chapter Two • Historical and Contemporary Religious Pluralism 31
Sufism in North and West Africa 33
Growth of Sufism in Senegambia 35
The Muridiyya and Tijaaniyya 38
Catholicism and Indigenous Religions 45
French Perspectives on Religious Affiliations 47
Historical Continuities 51
Chapter Three • Valued Techniques from Looms to Beliefs 53
Technical Perfection and Innovation 53
Stringing the Narrow Loom 58
Wide Loom 60
The Search for Cotton 63
Discipline in Weaving 67
Quality of Cloth 71
Weaving and Finishing Touches 73
Techniques and Beliefs 75
Chapter Four • Islam, Sorcery and Imagery in Thiès’ Home Workshops 79
Spirits and Religious Pluralism in Thiès: Djeneba and Makhtar 80
Interpreting Experiences through Beliefs: Binta 84
Shared Beliefs in Specific Spirits 87
Religious Beliefs and Imagery 92
Imagery as a Public Sign of Beliefs 96
Chapter Five • Baay Fall Spirituality and an Artisanal NGO in Ndem 99
Rural Exodus 99
Community History 103
Weaving Lineages: The Diop Family 105
Artisanal and Business Sustainability 108
Commitments to the Project 114
Chapter Six • Conclusion 123
Weaving as a Focal Point of Beliefs 123
Economic Realities of Weaving 127
Continued Research 128
Glossary 133
Bibliography 135
Index 143