Traditional Medicine Making of the 'Emu': Continuity and Change

This study uses historical and phenomenological perspectives in its investigation of the religious beliefs and rituals of Emu people, an indigenous society in Nigeria. Documenting their medicinal practices within the context of change, this study goes beyond structuralist and functionalist perspectives used by cultural anthropologists.

As newer medical problems surface and existing ones appear to resist modern solutions, Africans are increasingly reaching for traditional healing practices and customary protective medicines. Using historical and phenomenological approaches, Traditional Medicine Making of the «Emu»: Continuity and Change investigates religious belief and herbal practices of Emu people. This documentation of medical practices of the Emu people of Nigeria in the context of change transcends the structuralist and functional perspective employed by anthropologists.

Autorentext
Kingsley Ifeanyi Owete is senior lecturer and former Head of the Department of Religion and Cultural Studies at the University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria). He has a special interest in African Traditional Medicine.

Inhalt
Contents: Africa Traditional medical healing and protection Resistance of orthodox antibiotics Use of medicinal plants Emu people Religious beliefs and rituals of Emu people.