Kava and Ethno-cultural Identity in Oceania

The virtual faikava: Maintaining vā and creating online learning spaces during COVID-19

“…Kava (Piper methysticum) is both a Pacific tropical shrub and a beverage made from the roots and basal stump of that plant. Kava beverage plays a key role in the ceremonial practices of many Pacific island nations (Aporosa, 2019b). For example, the Fijian Government (Government of Fiji and the Asian Development Bank, 2019) explains that the traditional welcoming ceremony, which uses kava, is accorded to high dignitaries, chiefs and tribal leaders, [in which] the presentation of yaqona [kava] signifies the highest respect and deepest reverence for the honoured guest, their people and the vanua [land and people] from where they are from.…”

De-mythologizing and re-branding of kava as the new ‘world drug’ of choice

“…As Lebot and Levesque (1989) explain: 'for kava, dispersal of vegetative propagules by wind or bird is impossible, [and] the plant therefore owes its survival entirely to human distribution of stem cuttings' (234). Together with kava's use in indigenous medicine (Lebot and Cabalion, 1988), the plant in both its raw and drinkable form play significant roles in traditional practice, being widely used to mark life events from birth to death (Aporosa, 2019b). In a number of the Island nations such as Pohnpei (Micronesia), Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, much of that traditional use remains, whereas in other areas such as Te Au Maohi (the greater Rarotongan island group), French Polynesia and Hawaii, colonial contact and missionization saw kava use reduced and in some cases eliminated altogether (Aporosa, 2014).…”

“…Despite kava being a daily practice in many Pasifika communities (Aporosa, 2019b), assertions that kava is non-addictive is well documented (as shown in the lengthy reference list above). Additionally, Sarris et al 2013undertook a double-blind, placebo comparison aimed at kava withdrawal and addiction, reporting 'no addictive qualities or withdrawal issues' (1727).…”

Kava drinking in traditional settings: Towards understanding effects on cognitive function

“…Kava is a traditional drink made by steeping the ground roots and/or rhizome of the Piper methysticum plant in water. Both the plant and drink have great cultural significance to many Pacific people, being consumed at almost every major event from birth to death (Aporosa, ). Kava is found in Eastern Pacific Oceania (Polynesia), where it is mixed to a lesser strength than in Vanuatu and areas of Western Pacific Oceania (Aporosa, ).…”

“…Both the plant and drink have great cultural significance to many Pacific people, being consumed at almost every major event from birth to death (Aporosa, ). Kava is found in Eastern Pacific Oceania (Polynesia), where it is mixed to a lesser strength than in Vanuatu and areas of Western Pacific Oceania (Aporosa, ). Frequently, kava is used to facilitate talanoa , or culturally influenced spaces of transparent, participatory, and inclusive dialogue (Aporosa, ), where sitting cross‐legged on woven mats on the floor, kava is served to drinkers from a centrally located kumete (wooden kava bowl; see Figure ).…”