Answerit shows that
Explanation:
The spirit world is alive and real in Senegal. From jealous lover spirits to benevolent
protector spirits, these otherworldly beings have a direct impact on the daily lives of
many Senegalese. In this study, I focus on the rab spirit. I argue that the spirit
world is a tangible reality in Senegal. Focusing on the Lébou ethnic group, I
examine the rab cult as one dimension of the spirit world, and look specifically at its
relationship to gender. Analysis of the cult establishes the continued significance of
this traditional African religion in the face of a globalizing society. Additionally, it
reveals how the cult acts as a complementary sphere of social power for women, in
contrast to the sphere of male-dominated Islam. In this way, the rab cult fills a
space in society that Islam cannot. By examining the disunity between the rab cult
and Islam, it is possible to see how these conflicts fundamentally serve to affirm
Senegalese identity through the creation of social cohesion.
