Abstract
ABSTRACTThe paper introduces the Baanashada Dumarka, a Somali fertility therapy carried out by a spirit medium, known locally as ‘Alaqad. Baanashada is aimed at women whose fertility issues are believed to be caused by spirits. The study also explores a component of the Baanashada, namely, the use of tiire (Rotheca myricoides), or the butterfly bush. Although Rotheca myricoides is known to possess a number of medicinal components as confirmed by studies of modern science, so far, there exist no studies on its potential (or lack of) fertility effects. Hence, the alleged fertility benefits of the butterfly bush need examining. The author is aware of at least one recent case that a Somali woman from Europe died of herbs placed in her cervix by a traditional healer in Somaliland. This piece of information indicated not only the role of herbal medicine in fertility practices, but also the popularity of traditional reproductive medicine beyond border, class or educational background. Yet, current research into Somali women's health focuses mainly on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), examined often without the context of wider cultural practices. This paper, however, suggests that rituals, beliefs and material culture play a paramount role in women's practices. For example, as explored elsewhere, the wagar, a wooden and sacred object made of the African olive, is critical for fertility practices. The current paper illuminates further the significance of reproduction practices in Somali society and the potential continuity of traditions associated with the perpetuation of kinship. It concludes that fertility rituals are part of a wider context of interaction with sacred landscapes, objects and archaeological sites, often associated with past legends in the Horn of Africa.
Highlights
Some research has been carried out on the awareness of Somali women of the repercussions of FGC/M (Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation), and their experiences of access to maternity care both in Somali territories and in the Diaspora (e.g. Bulman and McCourt SADA MIRE2002; Ismail 2011)
The main findings and arguments of this paper can be summarised in a few points; the author demonstrates the role of the butterfly bush (Rotheca myricoides) in fertility rituals in Somali society, which surprisingly has never been reported before (Section 2); the author shows the role of spirit possessions in Somali fertility beliefs and practices, in the Baanashada therapy (Section 2)
Recent years’ reduced rainfall and sustained droughts have led to famine as late as in 2011, while exacerbating the disappearance of many flora in the region. This is the first paper on fertility rituals involving tiire (Rotheca myricoides), the butterfly bush
Summary
Some research has been carried out on the awareness of Somali women of the repercussions of FGC/M (Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation), and their experiences of access to maternity care both in Somali territories and in the Diaspora The main findings and arguments of this paper can be summarised in a few points; the author demonstrates the role of the butterfly bush (Rotheca myricoides) in fertility rituals in Somali society, which surprisingly has never been reported before (Section 2); the author shows the role of spirit possessions in Somali fertility beliefs and practices, in the Baanashada therapy (Section 2) Both the Baanashada and spirit possession rituals are part of a wider field concerning fertility beliefs and practices, currently and historically, and form part of non/pre-Islamic indigenous culture, whilst embracing important sites, landscapes, legends and sacred objects associated with the past (Section 2). This paper both presents the local use for this purpose and argues for further investigation of the fertility effects (or lack) of the butterfly bush (Section 3)
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