Drinking the Word
   of God


Introduction

The Towns of Zinder and Bondoukou
• Zinder
• Bondoukou

The Production of Writing Water

Education and Scholarship in Zinder and Bondoukou
• Education
• Scholarship

Health, Well-Being and the Talismanic Tradition
• Erasure: Writing Water
• Talismans
• Special Prayers

Resources for Further Study

Acknowledgements

Comments

Talismans


An talisman or amulet is a device that possesses special powers. It is an "effective object" used to produce a specific outcome. Scholars prepare amulets consisting of written verses from the Qur'an or other religious texts that are then enclosed in leather, or sometimes metal cases. Amulets may be used in many different ways, although they are most commonly worn around the neck, carried in a pocket, hung over a doorway, or placed in some other strategic location.


Reasons People Request Amulets
    To find a spouse
    To have children
    To prevent illness
    To find employment
    To bring good fortune
    To protect a house

Amulet Production
Click on an image to see how different types of amulets are produced.
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