The traditional knowledge on stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponina) used by the Enawene-Nawe tribe in western Brazil
2008

Traditional Knowledge of Stingless Bees by the Enawene-Nawe Tribe

Sample size: 48 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gilton Mendes dos Santos, Yasmine Antonini

Primary Institution: Universidade Federal do Amazonas

Hypothesis

How do the Enawene-Nawe people classify and utilize stingless bees?

Conclusion

The Enawene-Nawe classify and identify bees based on their structure, ecological, and social characteristics.

Supporting Evidence

  • The Enawene-Nawe recognize 48 stingless bee species and classify them by name and ecological niche.
  • Honey is a vital part of their diet and is used in rituals.
  • The Enawene-Nawe do not hunt or eat red meat, relying on fishing and gathering.

Takeaway

The Enawene-Nawe tribe knows a lot about stingless bees and uses them for honey and rituals.

Methodology

Bees were sampled from two regions in Enawene-Nawe land, with identification done by local people and scientific methods.

Limitations

The study's results were limited by language barriers and the inability to identify all species mentioned by the Enawene-Nawe.

Participant Demographics

The Enawene-Nawe are an indigenous tribe in Brazil, numbering over 500 individuals.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-4269-4-19

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