Etnoentomologia em comunidade quilombola do leste do Maranhão

Abstract

Ethnoentomology is the science that seeks to investigate how individuals perceive, classify, identify, name, and use insects in their cultures. Ethnoentomology studies can be important tools for the Productions of knowledge about the biological and cultural heritage of a region, which can be used for the valorization and cultural maintenance of a people as well as to assist in the maintenance of natural environments. Thus, this research aimed to record the traditional ethnoentomological knowledge of the residents of the Soledade community, in the municipality of Caxias, Maranhão. Data collection was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, recon- naissance of the study area and presentation of the project to the community were conducted, and in the second stage, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The collected data were transcribed as faithfully as possible and organized into digital tables, with the assistance of Microsoft Word and Excel programs. For the data analysis regarding the most important local insects, the Importance Value (IVs) was calculated. Sixteen interviews were conducted, with the majority of the interviewees being female, aged between 41-72 years old, and most having only incomplete elementary education. For the interviewees, the ethnozoological domain "in- sect" can encompass 74 different animals, not always systematically classified in the class In- secta. Different uses were described, linked to food, medicine, leisure, mystical-religious prac- tices, and predictions of events. The most important local insects were ants and caterpillars, mainly identified for causing damage to the community's crops and plantations. Therefore, the importance of ethnobiological work in quilombola communities, as well as other traditional communities, is emphasized with the intention of preserving knowledge and also conducting research.