The Body Concept of Traditional Healers in West Sumatra

Abstract

In this article, the authors illustrate the body concept of a group of traditional Minangkabau healers in West Sumatra. This body concept plays a particular role in the healing methods as it is considered to be the first element that must be learned by students of traditional healers. Furthermore, the researchers link the ideas about the body to specific features of the matrilineal society. The research was conducted in a village community in the interior of West Sumatra. With this approach, the authors intend to give another point of view in the field of Minangkabau studies. It is looked into the body scheme by considering ideas from an anthropology of the body.