`awa & Cultural Conservation

Video 19 in the Introduction to Ethnobotany series. Present by Kawika Winter & Will McClatchey.
'awa (Piper methysticum) is an important social, psychological, psychoactive, and spiritual plant used by Polynesians and other Pacific Islanders as a ceremonial beverage. One of its primary uses is as the focal beverage in important meetings where conflict is to be resolved and peace is to be promoted. 'awa is the only non-food plant that is so important that many cultivated varieties have been selected by ancient farmers. 'awa, as kava, has become an international commodity and in some parts of the Pacific this has overshadowed its traditional importance and meaning. 'awa is arguably an important symbol and product in the current Hawaiian cultural renaissance. This episode presents the perspective of Kawika Winter about roles for 'awa in the past, present, and future. Also discussed are issues of conservation of plants, such as 'awa, and cultural practices within botanical gardens.