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pering at the end. With this in mind, one consultant explained to another who was just learning, "You should only answer with the stick, not with your mouth" (12:728). At another test of a new consultant, she responded to a question directly and a family member in attendance exclaimed, "It is not you that speaks, it is God. Give your advice without speaking with your mouth. You must listen with your ears and let the stick speak for you" (10:27071). A family adviser added, ''You have to be quiet and show us only. There where your stick goes, you will follow it. You are not the one that knows. It is your stick that shows and we will know there where it shows" (10:271). Because this symbolic system is defined through motions of the consultant's club held by both the consultant and the adviser, persons who have hearing disabilities or are blind are able both to consult and to serve as family advisers. Elders, who play important roles in both situations, thus can continue their roles despite the infirmities of old age. |
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The language of this symbolic system is relatively straightforward. The use of these signs was observed at consultations throughout the year of research. Thirty-four such consultations were recorded and analyzed for content. A review of the related signs was discussed with local consultants and advisers. In general, illnesses are indicated by pointing with the knob end of the club to the part of the adviser's body where the most pronounced symptoms are found. |
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The seriousness of the problem is indicated later, when the consultant reveals the treatment that should be pursued. That too comes through a variety of signs. These signs refer to the implements that are used for a particular treatment, the therapy that is followed, the place in the house where this treatment is usually given, and the deity or sponsoring deceased elder that is associated with this treatment. After a particular treatment is suggested, further clarification is obtained through the designation of the time of day when this will take place, the types and amounts of food that will be prepared, whether beer should be prepared, and which practitioners, family members, and others should be invited. |
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The time of day for the treatment is indicated by pointing to where the sun will be in the sky. For work done at night, the time is conveyed by pointing to where the moon will be. If the stick points toward the east, the work should be done in the morning; if toward the west, the treatment gathering should be held in the afternoon. The time of month is described by an incomplete circle of varying size depending on the moon's shape. The payment form and the meats to be used at the gathering are indicated with a particular sign for each animal. The left hand refers to the chicken, the center of the head to the guinea fowl, and the upright stick on the ground to a goat; the drawing of the stick in a horizontal line toward the stone designates a sheep, and the pointing of the stick straight up in the air refers to a cow or bull. The preparation of beer is indicated by rubbing the stone with the club as if in the process of grinding the germinated millet used for beer. |
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The people involved in these gatherings are referred to in a number of ways. Usually this is done by pointing to those physical features or symbols that indicate the individual's characteristic "honors" and "injuries." The former include such positive attributes as numerous children, denoted by pointing either to the breast |
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