MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

The ethnomycological knowledge of Karajá indigenous people from Bananal Island, Brazil

Summary

Researchers studied how the Karajá indigenous people of Brazil understand and use fungi in their daily lives. While the Karajá don’t eat mushrooms as food, they recognize various fungi in their environment and use them for medicine, decorations in festivals, and childhood play. The study found that the Karajá have a neutral to slightly positive view of fungi, neither strongly liking nor disliking them, and their knowledge is passed down through families from childhood.

Background

The Karajá are an indigenous ethnic group inhabiting the Araguaia and Javaés rivers in Brazil’s Cerrado biome. Ethnomycological studies are important for preserving traditional knowledge and cultural practices related to fungi, yet no such studies have been conducted among Karajá communities.

Objective

To investigate the ethnomycological relationships and knowledge of the Karajá indigenous people from three communities on Bananal Island: Macaúba, Fontoura, and Santa Isabel do Morro.

Results

48% of respondents recognized 0-5 fungal images, with bracket fungi and mushrooms being most recognized (51% and 16% respectively). While 88% classified fungi as plants, the Karajá use the term ‘hedoro(u)’ for fungi. 64% considered fungi important, primarily as medicine sources, with current uses including decorations in festivities and occasional medicinal applications.

Conclusion

The Karajá people demonstrate partial mycophilia, recognizing fungi in their environment and using them for ornamental and medicinal purposes, though not as food. This pioneering study highlights the need for expanded ethnomycological research among other Cerrado indigenous communities to preserve traditional knowledge and biodiversity.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Ethnographic Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39392840, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311716
Scroll to Top