Observations placeholder
Rev J H Bernau - Incantations in British Guiana
Identifier
003678
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Missionary Labours in British Guiana – Rev J H Bernau 1847
The Piatza carries the patient into the nearest forest and having fastened his hammock to some tree across a pass, he commences the incantations, which he accompanies with the noise of his rattle. The rattle consists of a calabash partly filled with small pebbles. During his incantations no one is permitted to witness what he is doing, even the patient being enjoined to close his eyes and to keep them shut until the end of the ceremony