Ethnobiological practices of local practitioners in East Texas and Western Lousiana

Author(s): 
Chandler-Ezell
, Karol - Stephen F. Austin State Univ., Dept. Anthropology, Geography, & Sociology

This paper is a progress report on ethnobiologicals used by local practitioners in Eastern Texas and Western Louisiana.  Practitioners of folk medicine from several ethnic and cultural backgrounds provide personalized services for family, friends, and clients in this region. After literature review and local observations, key informants and the snowball technique are being used to identify practitioners and clients.  So far experts identifying as practitioners of Santeria, Rom, Hoodoo, Native American, Wicca, Curanderismo, and mixed folk medicines have been identified.  A variety of plant, mineral, and animal substances are in use in rituals and practices for physical and spiritual healing, mental health care, nutrition, and supernatural goals.  At this stage, preliminary analysis is aimed at creating a catalog and taxonomic understanding of practices, practitioners, clients, materials, and information sources in this region.