Yiga Kaka (Cock Diagnosis)

Abstract

In a small village in Northern Cameroon;  lives a respected Mboum head of the family with his many children.  The latter practices the Yiga kaka or Cockrel diagnosis where he earns his living by making the diagnosis and curing the sick through a cockrel.  This practice allows the Yiga kaka practitioner to identify what the patient is suffering from and provide care.  In this socioculture, only the initiated practitioner mastering the codes and the necessary knowledge can exercise this profession.  Despite the influence of modernity, Alim Sardi strives to perpetuate this practice.