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Witchcraft-explained childhood tragedies in Tlaxcala, and their medical sequelae

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  • Fabrega, Horacio
  • Nutini, Hugo

Abstract

This paper describes results of a study in Tlaxcala, Mexico, involving the sudden death of infants and children that culturally are explained as resulting from the attack of blood-sucking witches. The attacks of the supernaturals are relatively common occurrences and an elaborate ideology has evolved to explain them. Such an ideology serves to explain what constitutes a major trauma of loss and supernatural assault. Data on a total of 47 cases were collected prospectively. The illness experiences of the parents following these traumas were recorded and their nature and consequences analyzed. The results of the study provide a 'folk medical' epidemiology of sudden infant death, a well identified cultural-ecological stressor. Ideas from cultural, psychological and medical anthropology as well as general medicine and psychiatry are used in the interpretation of the results.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabrega, Horacio & Nutini, Hugo, 1993. "Witchcraft-explained childhood tragedies in Tlaxcala, and their medical sequelae," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 793-805, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:36:y:1993:i:6:p:793-805
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