Our research team has reviewed the practice of traditional craniotomy by the ababari emetwe (craniotomists) of the Kisii tribe of Kenya through interviews with a number of craniotomists and their patients over a period of several years, and through observation of a number of the operations. Cultural background, rationale and indications, techniques and instrumentation, complications, and medical implications of this practice are examined. Our findings are recorded to preserve the details of a cultural phenomenon which is probably destined to disappear within this generation.
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