African Anthropologist

Mouth matters: Exploring the intersection of Yoruba cultural beliefs, metaphysical significance, and oral health practices

2024-07-17T23:44:55+00:00

This study delves into the intricate tapestry of Yoruba cultural beliefs and their impact on oral health. Focusing on the unique worldview of the Yoruba people, the research investigates the metaphysical significance of the mouth, drawing on proverbs, maxims, and Ifa corpus verses. The study combines primary data gathered through fieldwork in Ile-Ife with secondary sources to uncover the sociocultural influences on oral health practices. The Yoruba's tripartite view of personhood, comprising Ara (body), Emi (life force), and Ori (head), forms the basis for understanding the connection between oral health and overall well-being. While recognising the biological functions of the mouth, the Yoruba's emphasis on its metaphysical importance reveals a complex interplay between aesthetics, fashion, and oral health considerations. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational programs that leverage existing cultural beliefs to promote positive oral health behaviours among the Yoruba population.

The Ogoni Amanikpo secret society: Towards the search for secret knowledge, powers, and esoteric tradition

2024-07-17T23:52:33+00:00

Human quest for esoteric knowledge of the transcendental and mundane worlds, as well as the struggle towards acquiring them through membership in secret societies has become a worldwide phenomenon. The Amanikpo secret society in Nigeria, being one of the most influential cults within the Ogoni socio-religious milieu, reenacts both political and cosmological order in Ogoni communities. However, in recent years, those noble ideas of Amanikpo have not only been misinterpreted by the emerging trends of other secret societies, but threatened by modernization and its agents. Premised on the above, this paper examines the religious-philosophical foundation, and functions of Amanikpo in the Ogoni traditional society. Using the ethnographic method, the study discovers that despite their cryptic activities, Amanikpo had (and possibly still has) a significance beyond mere entertainment, as its relevance in indigenous education, spiritual development and the preservation of Ogoni spiritual and cultural values still holds sway.

Managing cultural heritage components in a development project: community voices from the Juba-Rumbek Road Improvement Project in South Sudan

2024-07-17T23:55:42+00:00

This paper presents the findings of a feasibility study for the Juba-Rumbek road improvement project in South Sudan. The study was conducted between March and June 2022. The overall objective of the feasibility study was to examine the feasibility of the road project. Specifically, the study aimed at analyzing the social and environmental impacts of the road project on the local communities and their livelihoods. The study also aimed at conducting resettlement action planning (RAP)and livelihood restoration. The study also identified and cultural heritage aspects that would be affected by the road project, which is the focus of this paper. The study employed a cross-sectional design, which was descriptive in nature. Heritage reputation theoretical framework was utilised to guide the study. The heritage sites identified along the road project include burial grounds, cattle camps, shrines and scared trees, among others. The study findings indicate that if implemented properly, infrastructure development can positively impact heritage sites and their conservation. The analysis highlights the importance of preserving the heritage sites. The study concludes that the conservation of heritage sites in the face of development is a complex process. The findings may be of practical value to development partners who face the dilemma of implementing infrastructure projects, while at the same time mitigating the impacts of those initiatives on heritage sites.

Four decades of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania: A narrative of the dynamics of the anthropological perspectives toward the epidemic

2024-07-17T23:58:41+00:00

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS among Tanzanians, especially in the Kagera region, has been widely recognized since 1983 when the first cases of HIV infection were diagnosed. This study employed a qualitative approach and a narrative research design to uncover the socially constructed reality surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Tanzania. By delving into detailed narratives provided by key respondents, the study examined the evolving anthropological perspectives on HIV/AIDS before and after the scientific diagnosis of the epidemic in Tanzania, spanning the period from 1983 to 2023. The study found that, initially, there was a sense of mystery surrounding the origin and nature of the illness, as it seemed to emerge unexpectedly. By then, witchcraft was believed to be the cause of this calamity. However, a significant moment occurred in 1983 when three patients received medical diagnoses at Ndolage Hospital in Muleba District. The diagnosis and awareness campaign represented a pivotal moment in people's perceptions, gradually transitioning from associating HIV/AIDS with witchcraft to understanding the scientific explanation of the epidemic. Nonetheless, stigma towards AIDS patients persisted until the introduction of antiretroviral (ARV) medication in 2004. With the availability of ARVs, trust was restored among HIV/AIDS patients, enabling them to engage in daily activities without encountering stigma or discrimination in their communities. Additionally, ARVs contributed to diminishing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. As more individuals gained access to treatment and led healthier lives with HIV, misconceptions and fears surrounding the disease diminished, fostering greater acceptance and support for those living with HIV. The study's findings highlight the significance of culturally tailored interventions that address the disparity between deeply rooted cultural beliefs regarding the origins of illness and scientific explanations. These interventions encompass organizing workshops and community forums that offer culturally sensitive information about the scientific understanding of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, while also acknowledging and respecting traditional beliefs. Therefore, it is crucial that when the association between the epidemic and cultural beliefs, as well as stigma, is evident, awareness campaigns are maintained through community-driven initiatives and continuous educational efforts.

Assessment of Plantar Arch Index and the prevalence of foot deformity among athletes and non-athletes students at the University of Uyo, Nigeria

2024-07-18T00:01:10+00:00

The plantar arch index establishes a concrete relationship between the central and posterior parts of the footprint. The Cavanagh and Rodgers Arch Index (PAI) is a standard mathematical value used as an important determinant in the identification of foot physiology and potential pathology. Cavanagh and Rodgers Arch Index was developed by Cavanagh and Rodgers in 1987 representing the ratio of middle third of a footprint relative to the total area. Foot deformities are a category of acquired and congenital conditions that affect foot functions. Deformed feet can cause individuals to experience mobility problems resulting to weakness, obesity and cardiovascular conditions. Currently, there is no reported research on the prevalence of foot deformities among athletes and non-athletes at University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and this forms the rationale behind this study. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of foot deformities among University of Uyo students using simple random sampling method. Asum total of 800 students (including 500 males and 300 females) aged between 17-40 years. Both male and female athletes as well as non-athletes participated in this study. Endorsing ink, plain tile and white paper were used to obtain the footprints of each participant. The plantar arch index was determined and calculated using the Cavanagh and Rodgers Arch Index. GraphPad Prism software (version 8.0.2) was used to analyzed data obtained from the study. Results obtained from this study showed that athletic males had the plantar arch index of 0.20±0.001 when compared to non-athletic males. Similarly, athletic females had PAI of 0.20±0.003 and 0.19±0.002 for right and left foot respectively when compared to non- athletic females with PAI of 0.23±0.008 and 0.22±0.009 for right and left foot respectively. These values correspond with the Cavanagh and Rodgers arch index for high arch (pes cavus) which is one of the foot pathologies. Our study indicated the presence of pes cavus among athletic students for both male and female and standards of foot normality among non-athletic students (male and female) of the University of Uyo, Nigeria.

Collaborative work between traditional healers and medical doctors in coming up with a cure and treatment plan among the Dagomba of Ghana since 1900

2024-07-18T00:06:11+00:00

This study is a historical investigation into the contribution of traditional medicine in proffering healing solutions among the Dagomba people of Northern Ghana. The discussion of the paper is centered on the healing occupations such as traditional bonesetters, traditional birth attendants, diviners and the nature of their knowledge, practice, and their relationship with the formal health sector practitioners. Significantly, the study paid particular attention to the collaborative work between traditional healers and formal sector doctors in a rapidly changing socio-medical systems in coming up with a treatment plan and cure among the Dagomba. The study employed a qualitative research approach which dwelled on both primary and secondary sources to respond to the questions posed in the study. A careful analysis of primary and secondary data revealed that indigenous medicine has been the dominant tool the Dagomba people have utilized in proffering healing solutions to their primary health care needs since time immemorial. The study concludes among other things that collaborations should be encouraged between universities or training institutions, the ministry of health and the relevant international actors such as the World Health Organization to appraise and further roll out disciplines on indigenous knowledge and medicine, and to provide perspectives on health, illnesses and cultural orientations about health that are more useful in contemporary times within the local context.

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Project Controversies: Understanding the role of worldviews and nexus

2024-07-25T21:07:35+00:00

This paper examines the complex interplay of worldviews, siloed thinking, and the 'nexus approach' in shaping the controversy on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project. Using a worldview-nexus framework and data from 38 key informants, government documents, and secondary sources, the study identifies Egypt's water security-centered worldview and Ethiopia's development-centered policy as key drivers of conflict. Sudan, meanwhile, navigates a middle-ground position shaped by its unique hydrological and historical context. The study also reveals that Ethiopian and Egyptian worldviews illustrate mutually exclusive thinking, neglecting the interconnectedness of water, energy, food, and environmental security across sectors and borders. In both countries' worldviews, the GERD is perceived from an existentialism and securitization view which contributes to the prevailed zero-sum game politics. Furthermore, Ethiopia's development-centered worldview has also transformed the traditional narratives around the Abbay (Blue Nile) River within Ethiopia. Conversely, Egypt's water security-centered worldview reinforces Egyptian traditional views linking the Nile to its national identity. The study suggests that adopting a nexus approach to water resources development can help reconcile the conflicting worldviews and resolution of the conflict over the GERD.