Witch Doctor's Market
The Witch Doctor's Market is located in southwest corner of Mercado Modelo of Chiclayo city. The brujos (witch doctors), curanderos (healers) and shamans sell tonics, hallucinogenic beverages, aromatic herbs, amulets and more, and they make traditional medicine treatments, also read cards, guess the future or move away the bad spirits. Ancestral knowledge of the curative properties of plants has permitted Peruvian healers to develop a veritable pharmacopoeia as part of man’s religious integration with nature. A “chamico" (Datura stramonium) tea is recommended to combat asthma while quinine, an extract of the “quina” or “cascarilla” (Cinchona officinalis) is a sure remedy against malaria. Kidney and gall bladder stones can be dissolved drinking a beverage made with “cola de caballo” (Andropogon bicornis) or “chancapiedra” (literally “stone crusher”, or Phyllanthus niruri). Meanwhile, jacaranda (Jacaranda acutifolia) and “huamanripa” (Laccopetalum giganteum) have proven effectiveness against bronchial conditions. “Matico” (Piper adumcum) is an anti-inflammatory and “tara” (Caesalpina spinosa) leaves are an effective anti-diarrheic. “Uña de gato” (Uncaria tomentosa) acts as an inhibitor of cancer cells and valerian (Valeriana pinnatifida) prevents epilepsy and cures insomnia.
Witch Doctor's Market Salesman of herbs |
Witch Doctor's Market Salesmen |
Witch Doctor's Market Saleswoman of herbs |
Witch Doctor's Market |
Witch Doctor's Market |
Witch Doctor's Market |
Balance, knives and stones |
Witch Doctor's Market - shells |
Witch Doctor's Market Snake and Seahorses |
Snake skin |
Witch Doctor's Market Shells, scallops and turtle |
Condor's head and skunk's skins |
Coca's leaves |
San Pedro hallucinogenic cacti |
Herbs with curative powers |
Herbs with curative powers |
Herbs with curative powers |
Witch Doctor's Market |
Magic concoctions and tonic |
Medicinal herbs |
Witch Doctor's Market Ocelot and concoctions |
Witch Doctor's Market sulfur and borax |
Ekekos, religious idols and stones |
Witch Doctor's Market |
Photos © J. Mazzotti