Trio of a Traditional Healer’s Pins
Hehe, Tanzania
Forged iron
Early 20th century

These pins were collected from Hehe medicine men. Used during ungana healing rituals, they were inserted into the ground, sometimes pinning in place a hide or cloth with the purpose of defining a space free of djins, from the Arabic djin (genie) or spirit. In the case of these pieces, the djins being excluded were malevolent or trickster spirits. Within this defined, protected space, the diviner could practice without interference (Pers. communication, Amyas Naegele, 2015).

Traditional healers - both men and women - are still widely consulted and remain important figures in the rural and urban areas of Tanzania’s southern highlands. Among the Hehe, there is a widely-held belief that sickness is caused by supernatural forces. Treatment often consists of a combination of ritual, comfort, and medication. Sometimes, healers will even incorporate Western medicines such as paracetamol for pain control and X-rays to diagnose breaks (“Tanzania’s Traditional Healers,” BBC News, 17 June 2013).  

13.5 in :: 35 cm / 23.5 in :: 60 cm / 13.5 :: 35 cm

InventoryID #13-372

Price on Request