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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

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Health, Well-Being and the Talismanic Tradition


People in Zinder and Bondoukou have several options when deciding how to deal with a health-related concern. In the case of minor problems such as a headache or common cold many people treat themselves by purchasing over-the-counter medicines available at local pharmacies or from street vendors. For serious injuries such as those resulting from a car accident people often go to a clinic or hospital for treatment. In addition to these options people also seek treatment and advice from scholars in the community. In some instances people are concerned with physical well-being such as seeking treatment for a fever or headache. In other cases the concern is related to spiritual well-being and involves individual or community prayer. The images and objects presented here illustrate various services that religious scholars provide to members of their communities.

Scholars are respected for their specialized knowledge of the Qur'an and other religious texts. It is believed that scholars, through intensive study and dedication to their faith, have achieved a closeness to God--in Zinder this is referred to as "rokon Alla"--that empowers them to make requests of God and thus provide individuals and the community as a whole with special services intended to assure short- and long-term health and prosperity.


Erasure: Writing Water

Talismans

Special Prayers

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