Rethinking medicinal plants and plant medicines. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gibson, Diana
• Is Part Of: Anthropology Southern Africa. Volume 41:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: agency -- interdisciplinary -- knowledge -- medicinal -- non-human -- plants; Anthropology -- Africa, Southern -- Periodicals; Ethnology -- Africa, Southern -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 301.0968
• DOI: 10.1080/23323256.2017.1415154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2332-3256

Abstract

Abstract : Because plants are perceived as sessile and immobile, they are often represented as objects or things in current literature. In this paper, I explore variations and shifts in research and literature since 2000 that reconsider the ways that plant-related ideas, expertise and practices intersect in multiple associations related to medicinal plants. I argue that, in their relationship with humans, plants have histories, are mobile and can also bring about political and other effects. I use ethnographic material from Namibia and the Western Cape of South Africa to review medicinal plants, by focusing on human-plant relations and the incorporation of plants as non-human subjects with non-intentional agency.