Icono-diagnosis of therapeutic scarification in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

BackgroundBeyond the expression of thought and aesthetic considerations, works of art are proving to be real sources of information. Studied in several human sciences, they are also of interest in the medical field. Indeed, with human graphic representations, it is possible to establish a medical diagnosis thanks to an icono-diagnosis. This theme was discussed during a symposium at the quai Branly – Jacques Chirac museum and inspired this article. MethodologyBased on work dealing with different skin lesions and their circumstances of occurrence, this conceptual article deals with therapeutic scarification in sub-Saharan African cultures. DiscussionHaving existed in several cultures of the world, scarification has several meanings. Although they are tending to disappear, they are still present in many sub-Saharan African cultures. As a sociocultural marker, scarification also bears witness to a therapeutic tradition. Spiritual considerations as well as symbolic and graphic diversities within the different cultural groups lead to possible confusion. This raises the question of an effective icono-diagnosis and the keys necessary for a reliable diagnosis. PerspectivesIt is possible to establish an icono-diagnosis based on scarification in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the reliability of the diagnosis depends on a perfect knowledge of the cultures of origin studied. It is necessary to carry out a study of the cultural codes of the population studied prior to the diagnosis. Given the cultural and spiritual specificities of Sub-Saharan African societies, it seems interesting to us to open the fields of this research to human sciences whose implications seem obvious.