The activities of the mũndu mũgo include divination (kũragũra), identifying and protecting against spells, and using medicinal plants to treat minor or complex ailments: each plant has a history, a power and a connection to the spiritual world.
“One of the most commonly practised methods is bloodletting. Other treatments include beating the affected back, stretching a sprained leg, pressing on a painful head, or simply administering placebo treatments to the patient using a broom to ward off evil spirits or herbal potions considered medicinal.” says Father Giuseppe Quattrocchio.
The healer’s kit
1. Ram’s tail used as a cap for divination gourds
2. Mwano, a divination gourd
3. Antelope horn worn around the neck by the mũndu mũgo
4. Horn snuffbox used for therapeutic purposes
5. 6. 7. Shell, gazelle horn, warthog tooth used in divination
8. Special wooden knots used for therapeutic purposes
9. Fly swatter, a ritual instrument used by the mũndu mũgo
Amulets
These amulets are used by the mũndu mũgo or hung around the necks of patients for various purposes.
GETHIITO protective magic
MONUUNGA magic of hate
MONYENYE magic of love
KERIGITI defensive magic
OROGI destructive magic
KEHONIA healing magic
ROTHUKO seduction magic
NGIRIA magic of silence
MOTHAIGA fertility magic
MOTHAIGA UWA OTONGA earth fertility magic
MOKOORA purifying magic
