© 2023 Dr. M. Sheppard
Patient Dances
At some Mahasona ceremonies the Patient dances with the Tovil dancers. On the occasions I observed this, the Patient danced twice. The first time was during the Midnight Watch following the appearance of Mahasona. The second time was during the Morning Watch before the Fire Dance.
The Igaba is taken out of the Demon Palace and it and a necklace woven from coconut leaves and pinkish red flowers are liberally “smoked “ with dummala. Another Tovil Dancer blows on the bamboo pipe to call the demons who are attracted by this noise and the smoke of the dummala.
The Patient is then led around in the dance by a Tovil Dancer, who first places the necklace around the neck of the Patient and a tuft of areca leaves in each hand. He leads the dancing around the Performance Area and then in and out of the Demon Palace. The Tovil Dancer holds the Igaba. A Drummer beats out the rhythm of the dance.
During this dancing the Patient typically becomes entranced and may even collapse so family supporters are on hand to support the Patient. During this dance there is a pause and the officiating Tovil dancer addresses and questions the Patient who then admits that Mahasona and Siri-
At the end of the first episode of dancing the Patient is led back to their bed at the edge of the Performance Area often in a collapsed and entranced state.
Morning Watch Patient’s Dance
When I observed this second Patient Dance episode it took place after the appearances and dances of the Sanni Demons.
It takes the same format as the Midnight Watch Patient’s ance. Again the Patient is led from their “bed” around the Performance Area by the officiating Tovil Dancer holding the igaba. The Drummer beats the rhythm. The procession dances in and around the Demon Palace and is closely followed by the supporters. The Patient is entranced and in danger of collapse (hence the supporters). Others in the Audience press forward to record the Patient dancing on their camera phones.
Then the dance procession pauses in the Performance Area and the officiating Tovil Dancer, with the top of the Igaba laid against the head of the Patient, questions the Patient. A picture of Buddha is held before the Patient’s face and they are told to focus on Buddha and his teachings to effect the exorcism of the demons who have been troubling them. A clay pot of purified water is then brought forward and poured over them.
Then in a state of collapse they are led back into the house to change into dry clothes before returning to their “bed” on the edge of the Performance Area for the Fire Dance and Finale.
You Tube Video Link:
https://youtu.be/JmmFzuWz_YI
The Patient, who typically is entranced, is led around by the Tovil Dancer who holds the Igaba. As the Patient dances to the drum rhythm, they thrust their arms around them from side to side.
The woven coconut leaf necklace placed around the neck of the Patient is interwoven with reddish, pink flowers. In each hand she holds a tuft of areca leaves.
The Patient is led in the dance in and out of the Demon Palace
During this dance there is a pause and the officiating Tovil Dancer questions the Patient who states that Mahasona and Siri-
By now the Patient is typically in a collapsed state and needs to be supported by family members back to their “bed” on the edge of the Performance Area.
The Patient is led around the Performance Area by the Tovil Dancer holding the Igaba. They dance “wildly” as before, to the beat of the drum. They are led in and out of the Demon Palace.
The dancing pauses. The Patient is now in a collapsing state and needs to be supported.
An image of Lord Buddha is held in front of the Patient who is told by the Tovil Dancer to focus on Buddha who will protect them.
The Tovil Dancer then throws flaming dummala around the Patient to disperse the demons.
The clay pot of purified water is then brought forward and the Tovil Dancer empties it over the Patient to complete the exorcism.