Paper short abstract

An exploration of the materialisation of indigenous and Islamic beliefs within West African 'spiritual medicine'.

Paper long abstract

An analysis of initial findings, and potential archaeological implications, following qualitative and quantitative study of curative material practices, amongst healing practitioners in Ghana. This research is focused upon ways in which systems of 'traditional' belief may be signified through inherited medical knowledge, curative assemblages, and associated material culture. Interpretation particularly centres around exploring the tensions inherent to the variable materialisations of indigenous and Islamic belief within West African 'spiritual medicine'.