Wives and Midwives

Offers a picture of the daily life of rural Malays, focusing on their dietary practices and the ritual and medical aspects of childbirth procedures.

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In this widely-praised study, Carol Laderman provides a vivid picture of the daily life of rural Malays as she focuses on their dietary practices and the ritual and medical aspects of childbirth procedures. Apprenticed to a village midwife and a local shaman, she was able to observe a traditional culture adapting to modern practices.