The drink is prepared from
the pulverised root of (Piper methysticum), a plant
from the pepper family, and has a tingly numbing effect
on the tongue.The most important aspect of yaqona drinking
is psychological. Sitting around a bowl,
exchanging talanoa (conversation, chat) and listening
to the guitars hammer away is a very pleasant experience.
Most importantly, the act of sharing a bowl creates
an invisible bond between the participants. The visitor
feels a warmth and acceptance among complete strangers
that is normally associated with family or close friends.
It is no accident that in Fiji many business deals
and social contracts are consummated around a yaqona
bowl.
