HELP! Questions about Kava Tradition: specifically Tongan

[littlepalangi]

Hello all!
I myself have very limited experience with Kava. My father was introduced to it many years ago by a Samoan who felt it would help him. It did. My question is somewhat strange and more related to the serving of Kava than the drink itself.

I am a ceramic artist in a relationship with a Tongan who enjoys Kava with his brothers. I know that traditionally the kumete and serving cups are carved from wood, but I have been wanting to make him a custom porcelain set. I am concerned though that this might offend some of the traditional aspects of the kava experience. I know the simplest thing would be just to ask him...but I was hoping to make it a surprise if possible. Would this be an awesome gift or an offensive one??

Any input on the subject is greatly appreciated!

 

[Rookietwoshoes]

Sounds like a nice idea. Not sure why it would be culturally offensive .

The bottom line is that they're men - so there's a good likelihood that the porcelain cups might chip or break. That's probably why they use tougher drinking vessels in the first place.

 

[Steve Mariotti]

Hello @littlepalangi and welcome to the Kava Forums!

Where's @shakas? He demonstrates staggeringly deep knowledge of culture around kava and could probably give you something unequivocal. Personally, I'm a boring white american whose ties to kava aren't through the culture of my ancestor but rather my internet search ability and the fine tribe here at the forums, so I can comment on the Tongan varieties of kava I've had, but nothing deeper.

Personally I think a kava-specialized hand-made porcelain set is a fucking awesome gift to give someone, and unless the Tongan people have a deep and abiding hatred for fired clays, I think you're probably in the clear. The "shells" are often placed on a holder (another half shell with the bottom cut out in a circle, and turned upside down on the counter) so that don't rock and sway at the bar (or on the floor).

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

I'm assuming you're not dating a villager and either way, he knows he's dating a palangi and won't expect you to know what is or isn't taboo. It's a good gift, I'm actually working on my own ceramic shells as well, go for it.
I can't speak for Tongans but I've been to Samoa (They're very closely related, even though they enjoy arguing about who's better). In Samoa gift giving/exchanging is common, even if you gave them something small or something they didn't need or care for, it would be taken with respect and you would likely receive something in return. For example, a villager asked me for a bottle of Vodka, later that day, I brought him one back and he gave me a shell necklace and a used CD. That's just how they do things.