Traditional medicine (ete asa fa’i)

Ete asa fa’i, or traditional medicine is made from animal and forest products, including snake and fish oil, herbs, sea water and coconut water. Medicine is applied externally to wounds or aching muscles, or is drunk to treat viruses or other diseases. According to tradition, any materials used in traditional medicine must first be asked permission to be used by the maker in order to be effective in treatment. Americo Marques Cabral, in aldeia Codo, Maina II, makes ete asa fa’i.

Photo: Americo Marques Cabral talking about how to make eta asa fa'i, in aldeia Codo, Maina II.