Methodology
This study combines Field Linguistics and Language Documentation methods. The team conducted field work, together with a local consultant, Mr Benediktus Delpada, to collect original and ‘first-hand’ data, documented plant species (English and Abui plant names and the scientific name). Besides looking at the medicinal properties and cultural relevance (from the perspective of the Abui people), the team also explored local myths and legends connected with the plants.
Thereafter, the team organised the data in a database which is reflected below.
| Please note that all Abui plant names, reported medical usages of plants and any associated legends or myths recorded below are the intellectual property of the Abui people. |
Collection
Pigeon pea / Naai
| English Plant Name: | Pigeon pea |
| Abui Plant Name: | Naai |
| Scientific Name: | Cajanus cajan |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Leaf of the pigeon pea is used as a medicine for skin disease. The leaf is crushed and smeared onto the skin.
When a husband cheats and hides it from his wife, their baby has the risk of suffering from a risky illness. In this situation, a local healer could cook the pigeon pea to predict if the husband is indeed hiding his affair. When the local healer pours the porridge of the cooked pea into a plate, the wife can see how many seeds are left in the cooking pot as a sign of how many women her husband cheated with.
| Remarks:
Verified |