L’action thérapeutique de la nachra : rite traditionnel féminin d’exorcisme à Constantine en Algérie

Abstract

Nachra is a traditional exorcism rite typical of the Algerian city of Constantine, reserved for women who consider themselves possessed by evil spirits. As a traditional practice, nachra aims to free women from the spirits that torment them, causing them physical and psychological suffering that conventional medicine is unable to alleviate or cure. The nachra rite is also said to have a therapeutic effect, as attested by some of the women who practice or participate in it. Drawing on research in anthropology, ethnopsychiatry and psychology, the aim of this article is to analyze the key procedures of the traditional nachra rite that explain its psychosocial therapeutic action. In fact, the nachra rite is said to have a psychotherapeutic action thanks to its cathartic dimension, which relieves the patient emotionally and physically. In addition, the nachra rite is said to have a sociotherapeutic effect, thanks to the collective appreciation and recognition gained by the patient during the ceremony.