© 2023 Dr Margaret Sheppard

Curing Dances

They have several of these. During the dances they will inhale smoke and herbs boiled in a pot . This decoction, the special songs and dances, induces an entranced state in the dancers enabling them to “see” the cure and into the future.

Preparing for a curing dance in one of the Sacred Places. In the pot are the herbs that help the dancers to “see” when they become entranced. The “skirts” are made using leaves from the Jungle behind.

Kindling the fire (without matches) to boil the herbs. More Herbs added to the pot from time to time.

The old man sings accompanied by the drummer whilst the dancers dance around the poles that support the clay pot containing the medicated water. They sing as they dance.

As one dancer becomes entranced, he shakes the poles holding the pot, then starts to prophesy.

The smoke from the herbs in the pot helps to promote the entranced state of the prophet.

The older man prevents the prophet from coming to harm by falling into the fire.

Next he younger man begins to prophesy again.

The young boy continues singing the curing song. Veddah boys learn these from an early age.

Considering the prophecy.