Opal Palmer Adisa

29 Jun, 2009

The Myal Healer

2009-06-29T16:24:58-07:00By |Categories: CounterPULSE, Images, Opal Palmer Adisa, Performing Diaspora|Tags: , , , , |

I was in Jamaica a few weeks ago interviewing both academics and healers who are in some way affiliated with Myal or the practice of healing. I also spent time at the African -Caribbean library there pouring over and through literature on Myal and  its evolution. I made several discoveries, and was able to photograph some of the basic herbs used in the practice. Tony, a RASTA Brethren, connection to the land and ancestry is undeniable.   Tony is a

14 Sep, 2009

Place, Setting and The Beginning

2009-09-14T01:31:09-07:00By |Categories: CounterPULSE, Opal Palmer Adisa, Performing Diaspora|Tags: , |

Myal, like many African based religion is tied intricately to place, location -- the setting and its surrounding fauna/flora play an important role. Myal was initially believed to simple mean "spirit." The first known recorded observation of a Myal ceremony was in 1774 by Edward Long, who documented the performance of a Myal dance intended to persuade slaves that they would be invulnerable to the bullets of the white man. It was said they were told by the Myal leader

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