The White Lady Of Brandberg indicated that there has been a place for Medicine Woman in the African culture for thousands of years. They were in a sense a herbalist and who had knowledge of healing plants. They played the role of counsellor, elder or wise one and she had “magic powers” and could cast or remove an evil spell.
Stories of magic power and spells are told through folklore and also makes headlines on the front page of the local rag magazine or newspaper. Although the Europeans’ background is mainly Christian and does not believe in Black Magic, they do not entirely discard it either.
In the townships of Swakopmund, in the poorer squatters section, lives the Medicine Woman. Her practice is amongst the shacks of the area and the locals know where to find her.
With a small waiting room among impressive displays of jar and pots, we met her in person. She told us that you have to be born into a lineage of shamans and there is a sign at birth whether you carry the magic or not. The chosen ones continue the traditional role.
We left unconvinced of her powers and didn’t purchase any of her medicine. On our way back to town passing a coffin factory offering transportation from the hospital, convinced us even more.
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