Art by the devil

In The Gambia, many people believe that mental illness is caused by the devil. They believe that the devil possesses individuals and manifests itself through mental disorders. The conviction comes partly from the Quran and traditional Gambian beliefs. A so-called moro can heal those who are afflicted. A moro is a religious and spiritual leader. With herbs, rituals, special types of treatment, and through the Quran, the moro can cure mental illness. Every village has its own moro. The moro is widely recognized among the population as a reliable practitioner. Not among some, but among most.