CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THE PRACTICE OF TRADITIONAL AND ISLAMIC MEDICINE IN KASAR BUNZA, C. 1750 - 2019

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research work examines the history of traditional-cum-Islamic medical practice in Kasar Bunza from 1750 to 2019. Kasar Bunza is a district located in the fadama plain area of Kebbi State; and it comprises five village areas of Bunza Marafa, Bunza Dangaladima, Gwade, Bachaka, Damana and Owa. The history of traditional and Islamic medical practice in the area, as per the findings of this research, began as early as the emergence of the District itself. Kyengawa ethnic groups under the leadership of “Maza-Waje”, were well-known hunters with medical knowledge and experiences even before they founded Kasar Bunza. Among them were specialised barbers with expertise in acupuncture and bone-setting, hunters with special knowledge of herbal medicine, diviners with special knowledge of spiritual medicine as well as fishermen with medical knowledge in river related diseases. Also, and especially after the Sokoto Jihad of 1804, there were some individuals who were well versed and knowledgeable in Islamic medicine. The practice of the two medical traditions sustained the health and well-being of Bunza people up to the beginning of the 20th century when modern medical tradition was introduced in the area. The introduction of orthodox medicine was made amidst community rejection in Bunza. However, as time went on, the tradition gained ground in resulting to the neglect of indigenous medicine by quite a number of people. Meanwhile, the findings of this research reveal that recently, Bunza people witnessed the resurgence of the practice and patronages of both traditional and Islamic medical tradition in the area over their modern counterpart.