Khat
Khat

Somaliland’s social lubricant

Author(s): Maciej Ząbek
Subject(s): Anthropology, Cultural history, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, 19th Century
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Somaliland; khat; qat; stimulants; narcotics
Summary/Abstract: This article proposes a synthetic account of the social role of khat (qat), the green leaves of the "Catha edulis" plant, the most popular stimulant in the Horn of Africa sub-region (Somalia and Ethiopia). Chewing these leaves is an old ritual in this region that can be compared to the practice of drinking coffee or wine, or consuming coca leaves in South America. The aim of the text is to focus not on the physiological or psychological properties of this plant but on its recreational and integrative function: stimulating social interactions, helping Muslims in particular to feel more comfortable during social gatherings, being a drug that facilitates breaking the ice and making new friends.

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