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SPIRITUAL BORDER CROSSINGS: CHILDBIRTH, POSTPARTUM SECLUSION AND RELIGIOUS ALTERITY IN AMHARA, ETHIOPIA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 April 2014

Anita Hannig
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Abstract

This article examines the event of postpartum seclusion of mother and infant in the Amhara region of north-west Ethiopia. During the period between birth and baptism, the mother–child pair remains in private repose, is subject to a variety of ritual prohibitions, and is barred from entering a church. Despite the mother's Orthodox Christian identity, both she and the child are called ‘Muslims’ during this time. Why should this be the case? What happens during the birthing event and its aftermath that would bring about this temporary shift in their religious designation? By shedding light on the distinct models of maternal care, safety, and danger that are emphasized in ‘childbed’, this study seeks an answer to these questions. In doing so, it also contributes to a broader understanding of why most Amhara mothers do not, at present, avail themselves of institutional deliveries and biomedical births but prefer to give birth at home.

Résumé

Cet article examine le phénomène de l'isolement post-partum de la mère et du nourrisson dans la région Amhara, au nord-ouest de l’Éthiopie. Durant la période qui sépare la naissance du baptème, le couple mère-enfant est en repos privé, soumis à diverses interdictions rituelles et interdit d'entrer dans les églises. Malgré l'identité chrétienne orthodoxe de la mère, on appelle alors cette dernière et son enfant des « musulmans ». Pourquoi cela est-il le cas ? Que se passe-t-il lors de la naissance, et après, qui entraînerait ce changement temporaire de désignation religieuse ? En apportant un éclairage sur les modèles distincts de soin, de sécurité et de risque maternels qui sont mis en valeur « en couche », cette étude cherche une réponse à ces questions. Ce faisant, elle contribue également à comprendre plus largement pourquoi la plupart des mères amhara n'ont pas recours, actuellement, à l'accouchement institutionnel et biomédical, préférant accoucher à domicile.

Type
Hidden Potential
Information
Africa , Volume 84 , Issue 2 , May 2014 , pp. 294 - 313
Copyright
Copyright © International African Institute 2014 

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