Warfare in precolonial Africa has been erroneously seen as raids or expeditions involving the use of simple weapons. Contrary to this view, recent research has demonstrated that African warfare was serious business in which all kinds of strategies were utilized, including the production or importation of biological weapons.
Enquiries involving 165 Yoruba traditional healers revealed that the practice of surgery by these healers is rudimentary. Three traditional bonesetters were visited and interviewed extensively about their methods of diagnosis and treatment of fractures. Treatment sessions of one of the bonesetters were attended by the author and some aspects of his management were photographed.
Analysing data from interviews with traditional birth assistants and their clients in rural Nigeria, this paper examines the characteristics and conditions of persons using the services of traditional birth homes. The clients of traditional birth homes mainly comprise women with little or no formal education and in low or no‐income occupations.