state of cleanliness.10 The separation phase is a physical and/or spiritual removal
of the afflicted (2.1). This phase consists of invoking spirits (2.1.1) and purging
negativity (2.1.2) associated with the afflicted. The next phase is Iiminal (2.2)
and represents an in-between state of the afflicted in which he or she is
rebuilding through rest or meditation.11 During this phase the individual is going
through the process of strengthening (2.2.1) and healing (2.2.2). The next phase
of the process is restoration (2.3) which is the awakening, renewal, and
reunification of the afflicted. This phase ends with the reunion of the now clean
member(s) to the community (2.3.1).
These phases are potential states observed in field analysis reenactments
and in secondary literature on healing that show the unclean going through
various states of cleansing.12 However, similar to the oathing ceremonies, the
cleanser or specialists are responsible for directing the practices and determining
the sequence of events, the artifacts or symbols to use, and the spirits to invoke.
But their activities are directed through spiritual as well as traditional medicinal
practices. For example, one 89 year old specialist, M.N.S. Munguti, claimed the
following about her ability to conduct this work and knowing how to perform
cleansing: “It’s a God given gift. The spirit visits me and shows and tells me what
10 Different phases observed in the cleansing re-enactment although not called these different phases.
Interview, A.N. M. Matingo. Machakos, December 2008. Also from Field analysis, “Purification and
Rainmaking Ceremony.” Kangundo District. December 2008. Video tape recording and notes.
11 See Turner, Forest of Symbols, 93-111.
12 Observed from Field analysis. Wendo Wa Kavete. Kibwezi District. “Purification Ritual Performance.”
December 2008. Video tape recording and notes, and “Purification and Rainmaking Ceremony.”
Kangundo District. December 2008. Video tape recording and notes and Interview, A.N. M. Matingo.
Machakos, December 2008. Also from Field analysis, “Purification and Rainmaking Ceremony.”
Kangundo District. December 2008. Video tape recording and notes.
194
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