indigenous knowledge

Folk taxonomy of wild mushrooms in communities of the indigenous groups Chatino, Chontal, and Chinantec in Oaxaca, Mexico

mycolabadmin

Indigenous communities in Mexico have developed sophisticated systems for naming and classifying wild mushrooms based on where they grow, what they look like, and cultural beliefs. This study documents how the Chatino, Chontal, and Chinantec peoples of Oaxaca name 32 different mushroom species using their own languages. Older community members know more indigenous mushroom names than younger people, showing that this traditional knowledge is gradually being replaced by Spanish terms. Understanding these traditional naming systems helps preserve cultural heritage and ensures communities can safely identify which mushrooms are safe to eat.

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

mycolabadmin

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.

Research Keyword: indigenous knowledge

Folk taxonomy of wild mushrooms in communities of the indigenous groups Chatino, Chontal, and Chinantec in Oaxaca, Mexico

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