Before the arrival of Islam and Christianity, the Mhiship people had a rich cultural heritage with vibrant socio-cultural institutions. These included marriage ceremonies, naming rites, circumcision rituals, birth and death rites, among others. These customs formed the backbone of communal identity and cohesion. Economically, the Mhiship people are predominantly farmers. Agriculture is their primary occupation, and they cultivate a variety of crops such as: Yam, Rice, Beans, Guinea-corn, Cowpeas
In addition to farming, they engage in secondary economic activities like:
Blacksmithing, Weaving, Hunting, Mining
These practices not only support the local economy but also preserve the cultural heritage and skills passed down through generations.
Traditional Medicine in Mishipland The Mhiship concept of medicine is deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, differing significantly from Western medicine in both philosophy and practice. Mhiship traditional medicine views illness as a result of both physical and spiritual imbalances, with treatments targeting both aspects simultaneously.
There are several recognized traditional practitioners in Mishipland: Diviners (Gukum): Diagnose causes of illnesses, often believed to stem from spiritual forces or jinn. They also prescribe ritual instructions alongside medicines. Midwives (Matlabla): Specialize in childbirth. Mostly women, they use a mix of herbs, oils, and roots to aid delivery.
Herbalists (Go’ən): Handle day-to-day treatments for common and chronic illnesses using plants, leaves, roots, and animal parts. Orthopedics (Gopwat): Focus on treating fractures and broken bones. Their diagnostic abilities are often seen as ancestral gifts or divine endowments.
A common belief among these practitioners is that jinn (spiritual beings) possess supernatural powers and can guide healing through elements like plants, smoke, and animal parts. In some cases, violating the specific instructions of a healer—especially those given by a diviner—can result in adverse effects, including insanity.
Despite modern advancements, Mhiship traditional medicine remains a vital part of community health, demonstrating the resilience and depth of indigenous medical knowledge.
