How the Makushi articulate vital and technical processes in the making of manioc beer

Author(s): 
L. M. Rival

 

Building on my hypothesis that manioc is domesticated in the kitchen rather than in the field, I discuss Makushi beer brewing (southern Guyana) to show how nonhumans come to form an intrinsic part of the technical process. In particular, I detail the use of a domesticated fungus (Rhizopus sp.), and the identification of women brewers with bees.