Forging Fijian camaraderie: the cultural significance and social uses of kava (yaqona) (Piper methysticum Forst. f) in three upper watershed communities in north western Viti Levu (Fiji Islands)

Orcherton, Dan F. (2012) Forging Fijian camaraderie: the cultural significance and social uses of kava (yaqona) (Piper methysticum Forst. f) in three upper watershed communities in north western Viti Levu (Fiji Islands). Journal of South Pacific Agriculture, 37 . pp. 1-19. ISSN 1018-7774 (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Kava (yaqona) (Piper methysticum Forst. f) is an important non-timber forest product for many Pacific Island cultures. Three villages (Navala, Nadrugu and Nakoroboya) in north-western Viti Levu (Fiji Islands) were part of a FORENET/USP/PACE-SD (International Forestry and Environmental Network/University of the South Pacific/ Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development) sponsored, socio-economic and bio-cultural study (April to June 2011). Part of this field work focused on the anthropology of kava, using participant observation and ethnographic analysis in traditional bure settings. Results revealed that Navala villagers had a more intense and profound symbolic meaning and cultural understanding of kava and elders upheld and safeguarded kava protocols, stories and traditions. Nadrugu and Nakoroboya however exhibited a less cultural understanding of kava based on varying degrees of acculturation and changing traditional mores and customs. The cultural significance and social uses of kava (yaqona) were important in all three villages studied and contributed to forging strong social and cultural relationships.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology Q Science > QK Botany S Agriculture > SD Forestry
Divisions:	Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD)
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email dan.orcherton@usp.ac.fj
Date Deposited:	23 Jul 2012 07:41
Last Modified:	21 Jul 2016 02:51
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/4877

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