Aporosa, S.A. (2017). Kava: Untangling fact from fiction. Paper presented at the Kava: A workshop for kava researchers and enthusiasts, Anthropology and Pacific Studies Seminar Series, The University of Waikato, April 21.
Abstract
Kava, in both its plant and drink form, is Pasifika’s ‘cultural keystone species’ and a potent icon of identity with some of its medicinal efficacy legitimised within Western pharmacology and research. However, for every positive concerning kava there appears to be a counterpoint: kava is being ‘abused’; kava causes liver damage; kava encourages men to stay away from home for lengthy periods negatively impacting the family; kava turns it’s drinkers into Zombies incapable of functioning the next day, etc. This presentation addresses these claims while also seeking reasons as to what motivates kava criticism.
Rights
© 2017 copyright with the presenter
