Anthropological Analysis of Pir-e patr Healing as Presence in the Ultrastructure Community and Reintegration the Patient's Identity

The “Pir-e patr” ritual is one of the healing ceremonies among Baluchs (Baluchis) of Iran, which is similar to other rituals with elements such as music, spirituality and spiritual hierarchy. In this ritual, the formation of the healing process can be seen in the form of a threshold process with the emergence of an ultra-structured community. The purpose of this research is to identify the subject matter, record it ethnographically and analyze its anthropology.

The data of the present research is the result of anthropological researches based on fieldwork (in-depth interview and observation technique) and documentary based and library research methods. To collect these data, all of the field study, documentary based and library research methods have been used. Interviews with Sheikh Seyyed Mohammad and Sheikh Mahmoud, two of those who held the Pir-e patr ring as indigenous people has been one of these methods.

Aside from the links of this rite with the way and followers of Sheikh Abdul Qader Gilani, due to the closeness of the cultural area of Sistan and Baluchistan (the Baluchi culture of Iran) to the culture and civilization of the Persian Gulf, it may also be related to rituals originating from Africa, including Zar. That is why the ceremony in addition to the Islamic characteristics, also features the native culture of the region.

When we examine the anthropology of the Pir-e patr ritual, we encounter religious beliefs that are part of the popular rituals. This rite must be a healing ritual, in which the spiritual and mystical power of the Pīr and the musical, inner, symbolic and spiritual harmony of believers and ritualists in a sacred space are seen as the source of healing. Research on this healing ritual can initiate a way to discover the unknowns of other healing rites in Iran.