Kinship, Spleen Disease Conception, and Management Mechanisms in Cameroon: The Case of Bakwele in the Eastern and Ewondo Communities in the Central Region

Mvetumbo Moïse

doi:10.51062/ascwp.4.0_117

Spleen disease, although not recognised by biomedicine, is a common ailment among the Bakwele and Ewondo of Cameroon. In their conception, these communities emphasise a correlation between kinship, the genesis of the disease, medicinal resources, and treatments applicable to the patients. Our main objective was to identify the family actors involved in the management of this disease and the nature of the therapeutic resources used. To achieve this goal, 49 informants were interviewed (comprising 20 Bakwele and 29 Ewondo). For the population, spleen disease is a pathology with various origins, including hereditary causes. To eradicate it, kinship through biological or social parents and maternal uncles plays an essential role in these societies in the dissemination of knowledge and care practices. The ancestors participate in the fight through the protection of the living, sanctification and inspiration of medicinal resources, and involvement in the management of complex cases. This article demonstrates the cultural and environmental anchorage of care practices with an emphasis on the relationship between ancestrally, beliefs about the power of environmental and spiritual resources, and therapeutic orientation of patients with spleen disease in their respective communities.

Kinship, Spleen Disease Conception, and Management Mechanisms in Cameroon: The Case of Bakwele in the Eastern and Ewondo Communities in the Central Region

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