The magic universe of cures: the role of magic practices and witchcraft in the universe of 17th century Mato Grosso

The article analyzes the role of healing agents played by practitioners of magic and witchcraft in Mato Grosso society during the 17th century. It observes that magic and witchcraft were developed as competitors, alternatives or associated with other forms of healing (official and lay). It points ou...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:História, ciências, saúde--Manguinhos ciências, saúde--Manguinhos, 2009-04, Vol.16 (2), p.325-344
Main Author: Sá, Mario
Format: Article
Language:Portuguese
Subjects:
Brazil
History of medicine and histology
History, 17th Century
Humans
Magic - history
Medicine, Traditional - history
Shamanism - history
Witchcraft - history
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The article analyzes the role of healing agents played by practitioners of magic and witchcraft in Mato Grosso society during the 17th century. It observes that magic and witchcraft were developed as competitors, alternatives or associated with other forms of healing (official and lay). It points out how such roles contributed to the process of subjugating its practitioners, especially Africans, Indians and their descendents, and were appropriated as an opportunity for survival in the colonial slave society. The pastoral visit made by Bruno Pinna in 1785 to Cuiabá and nearby areas served as the principal source of knowledge regarding the practices and practitioners of magic and witchcraft.
ISSN:0104-5970
1678-4758
DOI:10.1590/S0104-59702009000200003