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
Bayooqa / Bayooqa
| English Plant Name: | Bayooqa |
| Abui Plant Name: | Bayooqa |
| Scientific Name: | TBC |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Locals may use a piece of bayooqa bark and kiyaa bark, crush and mix them before boiling the mixture. The boiled material is used to bathe a person with leprosy.
Bayooqa is believed to provide land fertility by its dry leaves which are falling to the ground. When an insect called malaapai perches on a bayooqa tree, the ground under the tree may be fertilized by the water that is produced from the insects inside.The wood of bayooqa tree may also be used to build houses.In the past, the wood of bayooqa was used to make a platform to worship the god Lamoling.After a dead body has been buried for 40 days, locals organised a ritual called bayooqa liik hasuonra ‘push down the platform of bayooqa’ where the family members of the deceased bid farewell to him/ her.
| Remarks:
Awaiting |