The Magical Life of Berber Women in Kabylia

Download or read book The Magical Life of Berber Women in Kabylia written by Makilam and published by Peter Lang. This book was released on 2007 with total page 278 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kabyle women from Algeria were believed to have been relegated to a role, subjugated by dominant males, in which they were confined to reproduction, nature, and their sensibilities. The weaknesses created by this inequality were thought to be compensated for by their living inconspicuous lives practicing magic, especially in love. Makilam rejects these preconceived ideas and demonstrates that women's magic was expressed in every domain of their daily lives: pottery making, food provision/preparation, and weaving. In fact, the traditional Kabyle society was incapable of functioning without women, who ensured its material and spiritual unity.