The Egyptian “Zar” Ritual

The Egyptian “Zar” Ritual  

"The Egyptian zar is a dance performed to drive away evil spirits."

~ Hossam Ramzy

Hossam Ramzy - Zaar Rhythm Egypt 

Zar at Makan: Closing Song May 1 2013 

Zar ritual by ABBIS PHOTO

The Zar is best described as a "healing cult" which uses drumming and dancing in its ceremonies. It also functions as a sharing of knowledge and charitable society among the women of these very patriarchal cultures. Most leaders of Zar are women, and most participants are women.

Zar, in the sense of possession, is usually, though not exclusively, inherited. It is also contagious and may strike at any time. Diriye Abdullahi, a native of Somalia, says that the zar is basically a dance of spirits, or a religious dance - kind of leftover from the old African deities, a variant of what we describe in the west as "voodoo". The old African deities were headed by two figures; Azuzar (the male, assoc. with Osiris) and Ausitu (the female, known in the west as Isis). Ausitu (or Aysitu in Somalia) is still celebrated and given offerings by pregnant women so that she will provide them with a safe birth. He describes it as a ritual dance which is mostly observed by women, especially older women. This corresponds to the practice of older African religions, in which older women were the priestesses. He maintains that younger women, especially unmarried women, are not generally thought to be "worthy of a visit by the spirit of Zar, who chooses domicile or residence in the person who is his choice."  

Source: THE ZAR REVISITED by Me'ira - The Joyful Dancer 

The “Zar” Ritual in Cairo - The Best of Habibi

The Mysterious Zar: What Is It? What Can It Do For You? By Arabella 

Zar performers give a show about the Zar ceremony in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 12, 2014. The drumming-and-dancing-oriented Zar ceremony is popular in south Egypt. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Video: Zar ritual in Egypt  

Video: The Zar

Video: Zar Ritual - The Mazaher Ensemble performing at Makan - Egyptian Center for Culture and Art

Video: Zaar - Afrika Marco