Symbols and Symbolisms in Emu Medicine: A Panacea for the Advancement of Medical Technology in Nigeria

Abstract

Advanced countries of the world evolved their technologies from within their cultural milieu which are shredded with symbols and symbolisms. It is the reinterpretation of such symbols and symbolisms that enabled such countries to modify or modernise their local technologies to advanced stages as we have them now. It is pertinent, therefore, to highlight the symbols and symbolisms of medicinal elements in Emu so as to provide a lead for Nigerian scientists to modify such symbols and symbolisms in order to promote the development of medical technology in Nigeria. The study reveals that the non-use of local languages in the teaching of science subjects in Nigerian schools is a major factor inhibiting the required reinterpretations. The study, therefore, recommends the use of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba in the teaching of science subjects at all levels of education in Nigeria.

Keywords: Symbolism, Indigenous Technology, Medicine, Incantations, Emu and Ukwuani