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Show COLLEGE OF SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE Adrian Bell FA I KAVA: THE ROLES OF MEN'S KAVA GROUPS IN THE KINGDOM OF TONGA Daniel Hernandez (Adrian Bell) Department of Anthropology University of Utah Malo Aupito to the'Atenisi Institute and my research assistants and Cultural Advisors: Tevita Pasi, Vuti Fakatou, Moleni Fonua, Soane Vailea, Uilisoni Angilau, Richard Kaufusi, and David Kinikini. Kava Roots drying in the sun (Vava'u). I conducted ethnographic and anthropological research on Kava drinking sessions (Fai Kava) in the Kingd o m of Tonga with an aim to study contemporary Fai Kava practices of the people inTongan society. Being aware that elite and elaborate ceremonies can often occupy much of history's attention, m y pursuit was to research and focus on c o m m o n kava practices that are less formal or informal (recognizing that Kava is an integral and complex aspect of Tongan society that is not limited to any social class). I wanted to discover if regular gatherings to drink this ancient root (dried, pounded, and strained with water before drinking) is a contemporary channel for cultural transmission and information exchange a m o n g m e n in Tonga. By establishing men's kava groups as a cultural reproduction vehicle, the role of these gatherings in cultural preservation or evolution can be better understood; further this information provides a basis for future comparative work a m o n g theTongan diaspora in Utah and throughout the world. The methodology I used in conducting this research was qualitative, quantitative, and participant-observation. I interviewed 52 m e n asking direct as well as open-ended questions, and followed up with more specific questions. I also interviewed local community and political leaders as part of m y qualitative data, and I participated in a variety of different kava drinking gatherings in groups of 5 up to 100+ participants. I also utilized research assistants as local guides/interpreters in Tonga, and cultural advisors from the Tongan community in Utah. I collected data from each of the three major island groups with the majority coming from the Ha'apai and Vava'u island groups (central and northern islands). Analysis of my data suggests that Men's Fai Kava groups facilitate cultural reproduction as well as advantageous social and subsistence information exchange. M y participant-observation experiences witnessed a perpetuation of Tongan culture at Fai Kava demonstrated in the display of traditional live music played and sung at each gathering; the amiable environment cultivated in such a setting, providing an escape from public social norms or daily work; story telling, counsel, and discussion; the Tongan sense of community and sharing a m o n g attendees of goods, food, drink, and information; and the Tongan wit practiced and developed by participants in conversation and humor shared around the kava circle. Purpose and frequency of attendance of informal gatherings varies and the termination of participation also correlated to interviewees of a particular religious group. The presence of a female Tou'a (kava server) also appears to influence attendance of young single participants and the environment of these groups. 76 Kumete (Kava Bowl) Fai Kava in Vava'u Kava Leka Plant Kava Roots drying in the sun (Y'ayjC.u). |