Over the course of the 16th century, the Spanish Crown criminalized Islam, forcing its Muslim citizens to either convert to Christianity or go underground. Those who stayed in Spain and practiced their religion in secret became “Crypto Muslims.” These Morisco communities risked everything to remain in their ancestral homes, often hiding their sacred texts behind false walls and cabinets. In this context, one author recorded a version of the popular “Handless Maiden” folktale. In this talk, I consider how the work’s portraits of disability--including infertility, skin color, and amputation--index ableness according corporality, piety, and Islamic gender norms. This version stands out as an important model of female embodiment during a time in which hostile prohibitions against Spanish Muslims saw many women acquire more religious authority in crypto spaces like the home.
This talk is free and open to the public.
Contact for more information: [email protected]
Return to WLC News & Events