Merging pharmacopoeia: understanding the historical origins of incorporative pharmacopoeial processes among Xhosa healers in southern Africa.
This paper focusses on Xhosa healers and their pharmacopoeias in Southern Africa. Its preliminary aim is to show that Xhosa healers have incorporated Western pharmaceutical products into their traditional dispensaries. The primary aim of the paper is to explain the trend towards medicinal incorporation in terms of the historical development of health and health care in Xhosa-speaking regions. Finally, it is suggested that Xhosa healers utilise Western medicines for their symbolic value, allowing them to negotiate some of the historical precedents which have had the effect of marginalising their profession.
Simon
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Department of Anthropology, University of the Transkei, Umtata, South Africa.
Lamla
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D000353:Africa, Southern / Q000208:ethnology; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional / Q000266:history*; D010602:Pharmacopoeias as Topic / Q000266:history; D010946:Plants, Medicinal