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MANICARIA SACCIFERA and its cultural significance among the Warao Indians of Venezuela

Botanical Museum leaflets, Harvard University24 (10) • Published In 1976 • Pages: 275-335 , plates LXVI-XCVIII

By: Wilbert, Johannes.

Abstract
This is an article written by an experienced ethnologist on the pervasive significance of the MANICARIA SACCIFERA palm, or temiche, to the Warao. It also contains extensive data on the flora and environment of the Orinoco Delta. The article is notable for revealing the breadth of Warao ethnobotanical knowledge and for indicating the importance of the palm to Warao daily life, including its use as building material, in clothing (hats), for making toys, and as a source of food and medicine. Also dealt with are the temiche origin myth and analysis of its symbolism.
Subjects
Ethnobotany
Collecting
Miscellaneous food processing and packing industries
culture
Warao
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
South America
Sub Region
Amazon and Orinoco
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Richard A. Wagner ; John Beierle ; 1985
Field Date
1954-1975
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Orinoco Delta, Venezuela
Notes
Johannes Wilbert
Plates referred to in the text can be found by consulting Category 116
Includes bibliographical references (p. 333-335)
LCCN
38005883
LCSH
Warao Indians