Sakau

A while back, the fourth regular session of the fifteenth Congress opened. To celebrate this, and to celebrate the Speaker moving into his new residence, we had a party. It was a typical Pohnpein feast, with all the food served on long tables and in amazing abundance. It was a very special work party though, because there was sakau. Sakau (pronounced sak-cow) is similar to kava, but apparently much stronger. I hadn't had more than a few sips prior to this, but decided to go for the full experience.



Speaker opening the Congress


Sakau is made from the root of a plant from the pepper family. The roots are cut up and washed. Despite the washing, some liver parasites can remain on the plant (and once consumed, the drinker doesn't have much fun for a while). You gotta take risks in life.



The plant as dug up from the ground. This is a very old and expensive plant.


To prepare the sakau, the roots are pounded on a stone. There is a very formal ceremony for pounding sakau. Once pounded to a desirable consistency (with some added water), the mush is put into some hibiscus bark and squeezed through the bark into a cup. The bark gives a delightful snotty consistency to the muddy root water. Mmmm. This is my cup beign squeezed.


Sakau takes like snotty dirt. Not that I have actually ever tasted snotty dirt. One must use one's imagination at times. This sakau was very strong. It was awesome. After a few cups, a sense of enormous wellbeing comes over you, nothing matters and everything is serene and delightful.


The finished sakau, with the pounding rocks, wrapped in the hibiscus bark. Pretty.


Before the sakau came the feast. Here are some random food shots.

Breadfruit balls


Pig. It aint a party without a pig.


Remains of pig


Bananas. One of 32 different kinds grown here.


Mmm. My favourite drink.


Do you think there will be enough food? I was a bit worried, but was reassured there was as much again inside the house, just in case.




Now THAT is how you pile a plate.


Taro. Or yam. I never know.


It was great fun. I am going to miss all this.

Jo