In the Shadow of the Palms: More-Than-Human Becomings in West Papua

Sophie Chao's book In the Shadow of the Palms explores how Indigenous Marind communities in West Papua, Indonesia, understand and navigate the social, political, and environmental demands of oil palm plantations, highlighting the destructive environmental impacts of the palm oil sector and rethinking capitalist violence as a multispecies act.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

In her groundbreaking book, In the Shadow of the Palms, Sophie Chao delves into the intricate web of multispecies entanglements that arise within oil palm plantations in West Papua, Indonesia. Through a profound examination of the perspectives of Indigenous Marind communities, Chao sheds light on their understanding and navigation of the complex social, political, and environmental demands posed by the oil palm plant. It is widely acknowledged that the palm oil sector bears significant environmental consequences, playing a pivotal role in tropical deforestation and contributing to the alarming rate of global warming. By situating the oil palm plant within the volatile history of colonization, ethnic dominance, and capitalist incursion in West Papua, Chao intricately traces how Marind communities attribute environmental destruction not solely to human actions, technologies, and capitalism but also to the inherent volition and actions of the oil palm plant itself. By approaching cash crops as both drivers of destruction and subjects of human exploitation, Chao challenges the conventional understanding of capitalist violence and reimagines it as a multispecies act. Through this lens, Chao centers the voices and experiences of Marind communities, highlighting their innovative approaches to world-making and their unwavering commitment to decolonial anthropology.

This remarkable book has garnered recognition, including the prestigious Duke University Press Scholars of Color First Book Award. In the Shadow of the Palms is a testament to Sophie Chao's dedication to exploring the intersection of environmental justice, cultural heritage, and social change. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences of marginalized communities, as they are integral in shaping our understanding of the world and the urgent need for sustainable practices.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478018247