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next to the stone. If additions such as shrines need to be made to the house as part of the treatment, these are similarly indicated. The need to visit a sacred grove is conveyed by repeatedly hitting the stick on the ground, suggesting trees. |
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Major gathering types and treatment forms are also indicated through this sign system. Medication in general is suggested by pressing the stick into the open hand of the adviser. The open hand refers not only to applying an ointment or compress to an infected or swollen area of the body but also to taking oral medications. Root medications are denoted by a cross drawn on the ground; the cross is a common sign for a tree. The medication to be used is specified by identifying the place of residence of the specialist who is to treat the problem. |
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The need for a specialist to remove objects from the body is suggested by moving the stick on and off the painful area, an action similar to that taken by the specialist in the course of treatment. The need to suction off blood is defined by pointing to leather; this sign refers to the cattle horn used by the specialist as a suction cup. Passing the stick in circles around the adviser's face, which suggests the dizziness brought on by the consultation deity, shows that the problem is related to becoming a consultant. |
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As suggested above, the need for treatment with a medication container is noted by drawing a circle on the ground beside the stone, near or far from the adviser depending on where this container is found. This sign refers to the circular form of the vessel used for medication container treatments. Other signs indicate whose medication container should be used and whether it should be set up at the family home. The decorations for the container and the type of vessel needed are also indicated. A light tapping of the stick on the chest refers to spotted patterns. The use of cowries is indicated by touching the sticks to the thrown cowries. Various specialized medication containers are also indicated. Those for childbirth and infant care are indicated by pointing to the neck, where the necklace identified with this container is worn by patients. The sides of the neck refer to this type of container when it comes from a neighboring ethnic group. Two parallel lines drawn in the ground refer to a container used for the treatment of twins. |
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Gatherings for life passage crises are also noted with a variety of symbols. The most common sign for this treatment form is the rubbing of the stick on the adviser's head. This refers to the head shaving that is done for the first life passage gathering. Other signs include the touching of the forehead and the knee, which refers to later life passage actions of introducing the person to a particular animal. Other information indicated at this time includes the person's deceased elder sponsors and the animal companions. In addition, the consultant indicates the number and type of animals to be consumed and whether beer should be prepared. The placement of an abode for the person's soul is also noted. The building of associated altars for the deceased elder couple who are the sponsors of the person are suggested if necessary. |
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The gathering to rejuvenate the soul of an elderly person is indicated with a circular line drawn around the stone (rather than to the side as for a medication container). The circle represents the round form of the residence that is constructed |
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