HERBAL CURING BY QOLLAHUAYA ANDEANS

This research report concerns herbal curing among the Qollahuaya (Callaway) Andeans of Bolivia, who follow a tradition of more than 1000 yr of medicinal expertise and who are the most renowned herbalists in South America. Qollahuaya herbalists live in Ayllus Chajaya and Curva. Natives of Chajaya and Curva complain that the number of herbalists have declined in recent years, but after analysis of occupational surveys in these communities, it was found that both areas had a considerable number of herbalists (Cura 37, Chajaya 28), with the same proportion (27%) of herbalists to nonherbalists. Although Chajaya and Curva adjusted differently to certain pressures against the herbal profession since 1930, they maintained the same percentage. This indicates a functional relationship between herbalists and nonherbalists. The decline in the number of herbalists reflects the decline in the rural populase of the Qollahuaya area. Herbalists in Curva and in Chajaya and their adaptation to certain pressures within the last 30 yr, e.g., restrictions on travel, synthetic drugs, out-migration and oppression are discussed.