Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/17167
Citations
Scopus Web of ScienceĀ® Altmetric
?
?
Type: Journal article
Title: The interaction of death, sorcery and coronial/forensic practices within traditional indigenous communities
Author: Byard, R.
Chivell, W.
Citation: Journal of Clinical Forensic and Legal Medicine: an international journal of forensic and legal medicine, 2005; 12(5):242-244
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone
Issue Date: 2005
ISSN: 1353-1131
Abstract: The investigation of death in traditional indigenous communities often involves 'men of high degree' performing rituals and procedures to ascertain whether sorcery has been involved. If this is the case then the perpetrator must be identified and suitable retribution or compensation sought. In Central Australia investigations into such deaths occur in 'sorry camps' which consist of temporary meeting camps distant from facilities and amenities. Delays in the issuing of autopsy reports may unnecessarily prolong the time that tribal members have to spend in these camps, and wording of standard autopsy reports may not assist tribal concerns over matters such as sorcery. An initiative in South Australia, following discussions with Aboriginal elders in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara tribal lands, has been to issue a one page provisional report as soon as possible after completion of the autopsy, listing the likely cause of death. This is sent to Aboriginal authorities through local health clinics. In addition, a statement that 'no sticks, stones, bones or other foreign objects were found within the body that would implicate another person in the death' is also included to inform tribal members that no physical evidence of magical interference with the body has been detected. Relatively minor alterations in standard forensic/coronial reporting practices may significantly assist certain groups whose cultural requirements may be under-appreciated and incompletely understood by investigating authorities.
Keywords: Humans
Medicine, Traditional
Witchcraft
Death Certificates
Ceremonial Behavior
Documentation
Australia
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcfm.2005.01.008
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcfm.2005.01.008
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 2
Pathology publications

Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.