The Witch-Doctor:An Enquiry by Dr. Stephen Black

Duration: 12:00

Year Published: 1963

Creator: bbc tv

Complete Record: A film discussing Nigerian (Yoruba) priests and healers here described only as “Witch Doctors “. Possession or smelling out schizophrenia and other illnesses. Divining by cowrie/cowry shells and pods. Images of witch doctors working and interacting with patients in native villages. West Ghanian doctor explains his point of view. A woman from Logos describes her experience with a facial lump. She was treated by both Western (radiology) and native doctors’ (a salve). A market with dried monkey heads, gourds for infertility, bundles of healing sticks. Doctors then analyzing the traditional cures and testing them on tapeworms and mice. Relation of money and sale of “cures” for money bring up the issue of cost of health care. Africa has no standardized pharmacopeia. Diagnosis and curing in West Africa. Interiors of hospitals and West African treatment places. West African markets. Cruel treatment methods with patients in restraints and shackles for magic results and for not paying for treatment. Dance with many villagers as doctor seems to squirt blood in patterns and on people’s feet.