Master Plant

de Andrew Russell, Elizabeth Rahman

"For many indigenous groups living in lowland South America, tobacco is a seminal 'master plant', a blessing from the gods that is an essential element in human and non-human relationships, as well as a source of everyday health and wellbeing. This contrasts markedly with the demonic position it holds in contemporary public health discourse. This book presents contemporary accounts from leading anthropologists and other researchers who have first-hand experience of the role of tobacco in the lives of indigenous peoples of lowland South America: the 'source' region of this important plant. Offering the first critical overview and comparison of tobacco in local ethnographic contexts, this study will be essential reading not only for those interested in the culture, society and history of Latin America but also for public health academics and practitioners working in tobacco control who are seeking alternative perspectives on this ubiquitous plant"--