Ritual and medicinal plants of the Ese'ejas of the Amazonian rainforest (Madre de Dios, Perú).

The Ese'eja, a hunter-fisher-gatherer tribe in southeastern Peru, view disease as arising from accident, distraction, indolence, or evil powers—either from a harmful shaman or the Devil. Their health practices are inseparable from religious beliefs. Shamanic practices, including the use of medicinal and ritual plants, are described to show this integration. Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) plays a central role in shaman initiation and healing rituals, with diagnosis and treatment involving invocations to the ayahuasca spirit. The text presents plants used as medicine or invoked for healing.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The Ese'eja is a hunter-fisher-gatherer tribe of Amerindians which occupies the south-eastern part of Perú. Their culture cannot be disassociated from religious beliefs. Disease can be caused by accident, distraction or indolence, or by evil powers. These evil powers come either from the direct action of a harmful shaman or by interactions with the Devil. A description of shamanic practices is given to elucidate the position of health practices in Ese'eja culture, which includes the use of medicinal and ritual plants. Aspects of ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce) Morton, Malpighiaceae) ritual in shaman initiation and in healing rituals are presented. Diagnosis and treatment include invocation to the ayahuasca spirit. Plants used as medicine or invoked for healing are presented.