Author Date

2021-06-18

Degree Name

Department

Anthropology

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Defense Date

2021-5

Publication Date

2021-06-18

First Faculty Advisor

Janis Nuckolls

First Faculty Reader

Jordan Haug

Honors Coordinator

Dennis Cutchins

Keywords

Quechua, Medical anthropology, Spirituality, Sociality, Ecuador

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationships between humans and plants in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the role relationships and nature play in the affliction and healing of illnesses and diseases. Through animism, spirituality, and rituals, the Quechua and Canelos groups foster a deep connection with the land and each other which plays an important role in traditional medicine and healing; this important connection with each other and the land constitutes the main premise of this paper, the sociality of healing. Many other cultures such as the Kalahari Kang, Samoans suffering from cardiovascular problems, and Evangelical Christians take on a similar approach to illness transcending the biological body. There is much to learn from socialized rather than individualistic beliefs and healing practices when treating diseases and illnesses.