article

Malekula ethnomedicine

Journal de la Société des océanistes35 (64) • Published In 1979 • Pages: 195-199

By: Simeon, George.

Abstract
This is a study of the ethnomedical practices of Litzlitz village located on the east coast of Malekula. Data include indigenous traditional beliefs and practices in the treatment of both empirical, psychosomatic, and mental disease and illness. The author notes that while the pharmacopeia of botanical cures, appears to have remained reasonably intact with time, the number of curers is rapidly dwindling due partly to outside pressure against the maintenance of traditional medicine. 'However, and as with many other societies, medicine, magic, and religion provide a holistic background for the beliefs and associated practices concerned with the individual's attempt to achieve physical and mental harmony' (p. 199).
Subjects
Pharmaceuticals
Theory of disease
Sorcery
Magical and mental therapy
Shamans and psychotherapists
Medical therapy
culture
Malekula
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Melanesia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 2000
Field Date
April-May a1973
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
village of Litzlitz, east coast of Malekula, Vanuatu
Notes
George Simeon
Includes bibliographical references (p. 199)
LCCN
49025345
LCSH
Malekula (Vanuatu)