Drugs in Western Pacific Societies: Relations of Substance (Asao Monograph Series)

Description

These 10 papers examine drug use within the context of interpersonal relations in Western Pacific Island societies and argue that drug substances are special exchange tokens and are just as commonplace in economic and political systems as other Pacific exchange goods such as pigs, garden produce, shell monies, or prestige valuables.However, drugs are distinct in their function and significance from other Pacific exchange tokens in areas such as their role in social relations. The discussions focus on Pacific drug production, exchange, and consumption to reveal the structures and meanings of interpersonal relations in a variety of social contexts. They also show how the role of drugs relates to regional exchange systems, relations of domination and equality, and cultural understandings of personhood. The papers focus on traditional drugs such as Areca palm nuts, betel, kava, ginger, and psychoactive mushrooms as well as introduced drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. Chapter notes, charts, index, and 412 references