What makes a plant magical? Symbolism and sacred herbs in afro-surinamese winti rituals

Abstract

The Surinamese Winti religion is probably the least known of all-Afro-Caribbean beliefs. Magical plants are essential ingredients in Afro-Surinamese rituals, but little research has been done on the plants associated with the various deities. Why are certain plants thought to have magical power? How did Surinamese plants, which must have been unknown to the Africans at first, attain magical status during the course of history? During ethnobotanical surveys in 2005 and 2006, we collected all magical species mentioned to us and interviewed 20 Winti priests and several traditional healers, vendors and collectors of magical plants. We recorded at least 411 species and 1,100 different recipes for magical baths, potions and rituals. Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Piperaceae and Asteraceae were the most important families. Most plants were used to expel evil, as luck charms, and for spirits of the forest, the sky and the recently deceased. The bulk of the plants were native to Suriname. Several things could make a plant magical: a connection with ancestors; a remarkable growth form, shape, scent or color; its habitat; relation with animals; an associated medicinal use; or a sacred status among other ethnic groups. Plants that once helped escaped slaves to survive in the forest (e.g. water-containing herbs, inflammable resins or seeds for ammunition) are now considered sacred by their descendents. Searching for the reason behind a plant's magical power revealed a wealth of botanical, ecological, historical, linguistic and cultural knowledge. It is this specific ethnobotanical wisdom that makes a plant magical in the end.