Ethnobotany of the Waimiri Atroari Indians of Brazil

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Language: English with bilingual summary in English and Portuguese

The Waimiri Atroari are a Carib-speaking tribe of Amazonian Indians, whose population has declined sınce intensive contact with the outside world commenced in the 1970s. A study of their ethnobotany was carried out in 1989 on behalf of Programa Waimiri Atroari. Their history and their current situation are discussed. Quantitative data are presented for their use of the 214 tree and liana species in one hectare of terra firme forest, to 79% of which useful properties were attributed. Seven principal plant use categories: food, technology, medicine, construction, fuel, ritual and commerce are discussed in the light of the recent changes which the tribe has undergone. Plant-use data are presented for over 300 species, together with information regarding their distribution and ecology, and references to previous records of their useful properties. The importance of the forest to the Waimiri Atroari is examined.

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