In this essay I will look at the medical system of the people of Kongo in Lower Zaire. My account is based on the fieldwork done by John M. Janzen among the BaKongo in the late 60s, early 70s. He offers a concrete description of six cases and examines them.
I chose a typical case of these, namely patient Lwezi. Diagnosis and treatment of a BaKongo patient are skillfully directed by the institution of therapy management group, a group made up of the kin of the patient, which takes care of the well-being of the ill. This institution is strongly influenced by the cosmology of the BaKongo and is vital for the therapy. The major features in Lwezi's healing-process were the therapy management group, the paternal blessing and the payment of the bride price, each of which I will refer to in the following sections.
Many people think that the healing practices of traditional societies are irrational, but I will show that for the BaKongo medical practices must engage with the supernatural in order to guarantee healing. To anthropologists and many non-BaKongo, the medical system in Lower Zaire appears to consist of various medical traditions, be it the traditional BaKongo therapies or the Western conventional medicine.
The general perception is that the latter is not only universally applicable but might eventually replace traditional medical practices. I will show that only by taking into account the BaKongo way of healing, especially the therapy management group with its unique perception of illness and healing, is successful cure of these people possible.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Setting the Scene: The BaKongo in Lower Zaire
- The case of Lwezi
- Lwezi's pregnancy and marriage
- Ten Different Healers Consulted
- Medical System of the BaKongo
- BaKongo Concept of Illness Causality and Diagnosis
- Therapy Management Group
- Illness of God - Illness of Human Origin
- Divination and Diagnosis as Rituals
- Drum-Therapies (ngoma)
- Bakongo Healers
- Bayindula
- Mama Marie Kukunda
- Luamba Zablon
- BaKongo Concept of Illness Causality and Diagnosis
- Medical Knowledge of Preindustrial Peoples and of the Western World
- Western medicine
- The Role of Medical Missionaries
- Theological Reflection: The Paternal Blessing
- Creation Theology
- Sacramental Theology - Nuptial Blessing
- Spirituality - Dynamic Image of God
- Liturgical Theology
- Moral Theology
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the medical system of the BaKongo people in Lower Zaire, focusing on the interplay between traditional healing practices and Western medicine. It analyzes a case study to illustrate the complexities of medical decision-making within the BaKongo culture and highlights the importance of the therapy management group in the healing process.
- The integration of traditional and Western medical systems among the BaKongo.
- The role of the therapy management group in the BaKongo healing process.
- The influence of BaKongo cosmology on their understanding and treatment of illness.
- The significance of the paternal blessing in BaKongo healing rituals.
- A comparative analysis of pre-industrial and Western medical knowledge.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introduction establishes the context of the study by highlighting the author's experience with the contrasting medical systems of the West and various East African tribes. It introduces the BaKongo people of Lower Zaire as the focus of the study and emphasizes the importance of understanding their unique healing practices, particularly the role of the therapy management group and its connection to BaKongo cosmology. The author challenges the notion that traditional healing is irrational and proposes a complementary approach to integrating conventional and traditional methods.
Setting the Scene: The BaKongo in Lower Zaire: This chapter provides background information on the BaKongo people, their history, and geographical location. It introduces John M. Janzen's work, "The Quest for Therapy," which serves as a primary source for the study. The chapter explains the concept of medical pluralism and describes the three main elements of the BaKongo therapy management process: diagnosis, therapy selection, and treatment evaluation. The crucial role of the therapy management group, a community of kin and associates who support the patient, is highlighted. The involvement of various healers, from traditional practitioners to Western-trained doctors, is also detailed, emphasizing the complexity of the BaKongo medical system.
The case of Lwezi: This chapter presents a detailed case study of Lwezi, focusing on her pregnancy, marriage, and the subsequent medical decisions made by her therapy management group. The chapter analyzes the various healers consulted and the therapeutic approaches employed, providing insights into BaKongo medical practices and the interaction between different forms of healing. The case study reveals how the therapy management group navigates various medical options, highlighting their role in coordinating care and decision-making. The significance of the paternal blessing in Lwezi’s healing process is also introduced.
Medical System of the BaKongo: This chapter delves into the BaKongo concept of illness causality and diagnosis. It extensively explores the structure and function of the therapy management group, showing how it influences the selection and evaluation of treatments. The chapter distinguishes between illnesses of divine and human origin and details the role of divination and diagnosis as rituals within the BaKongo medical system. The use of drum therapies (ngoma) and the various types of Bakongo healers, including the bayindula, mama Marie Kukunda, and Luamba Zablon, are examined, providing a holistic view of the diverse healing practices within the BaKongo community. Each healer's specific role and expertise within the broader context of the therapy management group is discussed, demonstrating how different healing approaches are integrated in the healing process.
Medical Knowledge of Preindustrial Peoples and of the Western World: This chapter compares and contrasts the medical knowledge of preindustrial societies with that of the Western world. It examines Western medicine's role in Africa, including the establishment of hospitals and health centers, as well as the work of medical missionaries. The chapter contrasts Western medicine's focus on technology and scientific principles with the holistic, spiritually-grounded approach of traditional African healing. The chapter likely analyzes the limitations of Western medicine alone in addressing the needs of the BaKongo, particularly in cases where spiritual and cosmological aspects play vital roles in health and illness.
Theological Reflection: The Paternal Blessing: This chapter explores the theological implications of the BaKongo healing practices, particularly the significance of the paternal blessing. It likely examines the integration of religious beliefs and practices into the healing process, analyzing its connection to creation theology, sacramental theology (nuptial blessing), spirituality, liturgical theology, and moral theology. The chapter explores how these theological elements contribute to the BaKongo understanding of illness, healing, and the relationship between the spiritual and physical realms.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
BaKongo, medical pluralism, therapy management group, traditional healing, Western medicine, cosmology, illness, healing, divination, paternal blessing, religious beliefs, Africa, Zaire.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of the BaKongo Medical System
What is the main topic of this text?
This text is a comprehensive study of the BaKongo people's medical system in Lower Zaire, focusing on the interplay between their traditional healing practices and Western medicine. It analyzes a case study, explores the role of the therapy management group, and examines the influence of BaKongo cosmology on their understanding and treatment of illness.
What is the significance of the therapy management group in BaKongo healing?
The therapy management group is a crucial element in the BaKongo healing process. This community of kin and associates supports the patient, plays a vital role in coordinating care and decision-making, and influences the selection and evaluation of treatments. Its involvement highlights the community-based nature of BaKongo healthcare.
How does BaKongo cosmology influence their understanding of illness?
BaKongo cosmology significantly impacts their understanding and treatment of illness. The text distinguishes between illnesses of divine and human origin and explores the role of divination and rituals in diagnosis. This holistic approach integrates spiritual and physical aspects in their approach to health and healing.
What types of healers are involved in the BaKongo medical system?
The BaKongo medical system involves various healers, including traditional practitioners (like the bayindula) and Western-trained doctors. The text profiles specific healers like Mama Marie Kukunda and Luamba Zablon, illustrating the diverse expertise within the community and how different healing approaches are integrated.
What is the role of the paternal blessing in BaKongo healing?
The paternal blessing holds significant theological importance in BaKongo healing rituals. The text explores its connection to creation theology, sacramental theology, spirituality, liturgical theology, and moral theology, demonstrating the deep integration of religious beliefs and practices into the healing process.
How does this text compare and contrast BaKongo and Western medical knowledge?
The text compares and contrasts the medical knowledge of preindustrial societies (as represented by the BaKongo) with that of the Western world. It examines the role of Western medicine in Africa, including the work of medical missionaries, and highlights the differences in their approaches to healing, particularly concerning technology, scientific principles, and spiritual aspects.
What is the purpose of the case study of Lwezi?
The case study of Lwezi illustrates the complexities of medical decision-making within the BaKongo culture. It details her pregnancy, marriage, and the various healers consulted, providing insights into their medical practices and the interaction between different forms of healing. It showcases how the therapy management group navigates various medical options.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the integration of traditional and Western medical systems, the role of the therapy management group, the influence of BaKongo cosmology on illness, the significance of the paternal blessing, and a comparative analysis of pre-industrial and Western medical knowledge.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include BaKongo, medical pluralism, therapy management group, traditional healing, Western medicine, cosmology, illness, healing, divination, paternal blessing, religious beliefs, Africa, and Zaire.
What is the overall conclusion of the study?
The study challenges the notion that traditional healing is irrational and proposes a complementary approach to integrating conventional and traditional methods for a more holistic and culturally sensitive understanding of healthcare within the BaKongo community. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context of illness and healing.
- Quote paper
- Regina Reinart (Author), 2000, Healing and Religion in Africa. Therapy Management Group and Cosmology Among the BaKongo, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/888619
