Estudio etnobotánico en una comunidad precordillerana de Antofagasta: Toconce

Abstract

The aims of this paper are: (i) Studying the perception and utilization that the inhabitants of Toconce show of their natural environment, and (ii) comparing this perception with the results of a scientific analysis concerning the local flora and vegetation. Methods used essencially included collection of plant species and design of a sample book for inquiring species names, uses and concepts related to the environmental perception. A total of 154 species were collected in the study area, 91,6% of wich received vernacular names. From the latter, many collective names refer either to km relations (taxa) or to groups of species with the same growth-form. The people recognize ethno-ecological units regarding the vegetational physiognomy, geomorphology and location within the altitudinal gradient: they are: PAMPA, TOLAR, PAJONAL, PANISO, MEDANO, HOYADA and VEGA. This scheme corresponds with the zonation pattern established in the ecological analysis of vegetation. These empirical categories are integrated by the villagers into three areas of landscape's use: CHACRA, CAMPO and CERRO. Eight items of plant species utilization are distinguished, from wich, those used as forrage are more represented. The main ethno-ecological unit is the TOLAR, having the greatest number of species and also, a multiple and optimous exploitation. Results confirm that inhabitants of Toconce have a whole understanding of their environment, expressed in a conceptual system of their own, that agrees with the scientific scheme. Consecuently, a maximal exploitation of the ecological units occurs. This perception is integrated into the characteristic andean cultural pattern.