Medicine and magic among the Maka Indians of the Paraguayan Chaco.
P Arenas
Journal of Ethnopharmacology December 1987 DOI: 10.1016/0378-8741(87)90104-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | The Maká Indians, an ethnic group of hunters and gatherers in the Paraguayan Chaco |
| Key findings | The paper reports that the Maká practice shamanism, magic, and medicine using vegetal and animal substances to heal illnesses and counteract different kinds of evil, and it compiles a list of the components of their pharmacopoeia with details of their use and particular indications. |
Abstract
The Maká Indians are an ethnic group of hunters and gatherers of the Paraguayan Chaco. In order to heal illnesses and counteract different kinds of evil, they practice shamanism, magic and the use of medicines of vegetal and animal origin. A general review of the history, magic and medicine in this culture is undertaken. A list of the components of their pharmacopoeia, with details of their use and particular indications is presented.