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Abstract Detail


Society for Economic Botany/BSA Economic Botany Section

Krings, Nathan [1].

Sources of a Scent - the Enduring Legacy of Sandalwood.

The diffusion of the products of the family Santalaceae and the appreciation for their unique qualities has gone hand in hand with the spread of Buddhism and other common Asian values. The process continues to this day - even as the original religious impetus behind traditional Japanese and Chinese material and spiritual culture seems to be slowing. The purpose of this work is to trace the historical diffusion of sandalwood and examine its current situation. The cultural significance of sandalwood, specifically Santalum album, is examined in detail. Cultivation, harvesting, and processing of S. album are also detailed in the light of laws and regulations enacted by the Indian government. The conflicting interests of business and conservation are weighed, along with the ongoing threat of smuggling. These findings are useful toward an understanding of the commodity in the global and local economies, as well as its recent price fluctuations, which have seen values in excess of 1000USD per kg.

Broader Impacts:


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Keywords:
Sandalwood
East Asia
India
Smuggling.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 49
Location: Maryland Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Time: 2:45 PM
Number: 49006
Abstract ID:546


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