Medical beliefs and practices of the Maroons of Moore Town: a study in acculturation

A major focua of this research was a descriptive account of the traditional medicine of the Maroons of Moore Town, Jamaica, West Indies. The data were collected on a field trip from June - September, 1972. Maroon theory suggests that illness can be attributed to both natural and supernatural factors. Natural causes of illness were oriented especially around cold intrusion, with germs, improper diet, and inadequate exercise also mentioned as possibilities. In supernatural context, duppies (spirits of the dead), the devil, and Gog were described as responsible for a category of "deep" illnesses, although it was noted that the cause of any illness could be attributed ultimately to supernatural forces. The reliance upon herbs in the treatment of illness was a dominating feature of Maroon traditional medicine. Most Moore Towners, at least, had a basic familiarity with the Maroon bush. At the onset of an illness, attempts by the individual, or his family, at self-treatment ensued. If these did not prove adequate, one could turn next to the medical specialists, the herbalist, or dancer. Another major focus of the researcher concerned the effect of modern medicine on the illness-related beliefs and behavior of the Maroon. The thrust here was an assessment of areas of conservatism and change in the Maroon medical sphere today. Modern medical facilities available to the Maroons, and the situations in which these were utilized, were examined toward this end. It was suggested that limited utilization of modern resources is a characteristic of the Maroon picture today. Despite a partial acceptance of modern medicine, the Maroons continue to place great emphasis on their traditional patterns. The belief in the supremacy of Maroon herbal treatment still is held widely today. Not only are herbs frequently seen as more effective than their scientific counterparts, they are also available and free. In terms of etiology, both cold intrusion and spirit forces are described today as major causes of illness. Herskovits' views on acculturation, and sociological perspectives on changein Maroon medicine. Folk pragmatism and the role of the innovator also were considered. Finally, the importance of investigating the impact of traditional forms on modern medicine, as well as the converse, was suggested (AU)