article

Malekula ethnomedicine

Journal de la Société des océanistes • 35 (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).

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)