Principles of Tzeltal Plant Classification

An Introduction to the Botanical Ethnography of a Mayan-Speaking, People of Highland, Chiapas

Brent Berlin,Dennis E. Breedlove,Peter H. Raven, E. A. Hammel

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2013
• ISBN:
  9781483220987
• Topic: Ciencias biológicas
• Subtopic: Botánica

Principles of Tzeltal Plant Classification: An Introduction to the Botanical Ethnography of a Mayan-Speaking People of Highland Chiapas covers the underlying classificatory principles used by the Tzeltal to order the vast array of organisms of the plant world. The book describes the setting of the research, both from a botanical and ethnographic view; the general outline of Tzeltal plant classification and nomenclature; and the methods used to collect data. The text also discusses the rich ethnolinguistic terminology used by the Tzeltal in describing and discussing the structure of plants, referred to as ethnophytography; and the cultural significance of plants to the Tzeltal in agriculture, food types, house building, and other areas of material culture where plants and plant products are of major importance. The individual description of all known Tzeltal plant classes is also encompassed in detail. Botanists and ethnobotanists will find the book invaluable.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Principles of Tzeltal Plant Classification: An Introduction to the Botanical Ethnography of a Mayan-Speaking People of Highland Chiapas
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Dedication
• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Conventions, Abbreviations, and Key to Pronunciation of Tzeltal Words
• PART I: The Setting, Principles, and Methods
• PART II: The Flora
• APPENDIXES
• Appendix 2: Alphabetical Listing of Plants by Tzeltal Name in Terms of Their Relative Cultural Significance
• Appendix 3: Potentially Valid Generic Names
• Appendix 4: Systematic List of Plants
• REFERENCES
• INDEXES
• Index to Non-Tzeltal Plant Names
• Index to Tzeltal Plant Names
• General Index