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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The significance of beliefs and healing in Yoruba culture |
Author: | Osunwole, S.A. |
Year: | 1990 |
Periodical: | African Notes: Bulletin of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan |
Volume: | 14 |
Issue: | 1-2 |
Pages: | 30-36 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | healers Yoruba traditional medicine |
Abstract: | Based on eighteen months' fieldwork with Yoruba healers and practitioners of traditional religion in 1985-1986, the author discusses the significance of Yoruba healing within the context of traditional beliefs and practices. Attention is focused on those cultural beliefs that guide the practice of medicine, especially in relation to the etiology and management of illnesses. Traditional medicine is relevant to the Yoruba, despite the introduction of Western-derived science and technology in Nigeria, and complements modern medicine. Traditional beliefs help to explain medical behaviour. Rituals performed for deities, witches and the ancestors give potency to the medicine and relief to those who are ill. Bibliogr., sum. |