Possible dialogues between scientific and local knowledge associated to the golden grass and buriti palm in the Jalapão region, TO

Author(s)

Rebeca Verônica R. Viana

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB)
• Defense date: 2013-04-26

Examining board members

Paulo Takeo Sano; Charbel Niño El Hani; Marcos Sorrentino

• Advisor: Paulo Takeo Sano

Abstract

Syngonanthus nitens (Bong.) Ruhland and Mauritia flexuosa Mart. species are used in the golden grass crafts, typical of the Jalapão (TO) region. The stalks of S. nitens are sewn with fibers extracted from young leaves of M. flexuosa, for making baskets, mandalas and costume jewelry. In this context, the research sought to establish a dialogue between local and scientific knowledge about these species. Local knowledge and perceptions of artisans regarding the golden grass and the buriti palm were surveyed in two quilombola communities: Mumbuca and Prata, located respectively in the municipalities of Mateiros and São Félix do Tocantins (TO). Through qualitative research semi-structured interviews, participative observations and focus groups were conducted. Regarding the golden grass, content analysis shows assertions and questions related to golden grass fire management, morphological variations and seeds production; as for the buriti palm, the local distinction of male and female buriti, made in vegetative individuals was highlighted. Based on these results, not only it was possible to make associations with scientific bibliography available on both species, but also it inspired knew scientific questions about S.nitens and M. flexuosa. Moreover, these results highlight the plurality of perspectives on the two species from Brazil\'s flora: golden grass and buriti palm. Finally, it was possible to create a dialogue rout for local and scientific knowledge, which enhances the debates on biodiversity conservations and its relations with local Communities and environmental education (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/14534-9 - Syngonanthus nitens (bong.) Ruhland - Eriocaulaceae and Mauritia flexuosa Mart. - Arecaceae: scientific knowledge and local knowledge associated with the species present in the golden grass handicraft, made in the region of Jalapão, Brazil
• Grantee: Rebeca Verônica Ribeiro Viana
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master