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

Botanical Museum leaflets, Harvard University • 24 (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.

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