meteinuwak

by Gerald Musinsky

Meteinuwak were the doctors and medicine people of the Delaware. Their name is derived from their abilities to associate and communicate with manetuwak, the various animating spirits of all earthly objects. Predominantly known as healers, they also were sough out for spiritual and emotional guidance, directions for spirit ritual and dance. They were not gender specific having initiated both men and women, beginning often at an early age signified by an affinity for various animals and objects.