FROM RITUAL DANCE TO DISCO: CHANGE IN HABITUAL USE OF TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL AMONG THE BAKA HUNTER-GATHERer S OF SOUTHEASTERN CAMEROON

Abstract

For centuries Pygmy hunter-gatherers in central Africa formed economic interdependent relationship with farmers based on a barter economy. The recent monetarization of daily transaction changed the local socio-political power balance. Previously, tobacco and alcohol were produced by farmers for self-consumption and were used in the barter of agricultural labor with the Pygmies. We conducted intensive field research in Ndongo Village in early 2009 to supplement ethnographical data from previous research. We have documented and analyzed recent trends in tobacco and alcohol consumption among the Baka to examine their adaptation to the ongoing economic transition from a barter economy to a monetary economy. Whereas the increased opportunities to earn a cash income has led to the excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and drinking became one of the great pleasures of sedentary village life. The use of social space for drinking and smoking has changed dramatically: From mbanjo traditional meeting space to public bars in the village. Baka youths are attempting new ways to forge solidarity at such new social spaces instead of traditional practices of song and dance.