John Richard Stepp

Persistence of botanical knowledge among Tzeltal Maya children

a d o v a s i o , j . m . , o . s o f f e r , d . c . h y l a n d , j . s . i l l i n g w o r t h , b . k l ı́ m a , a n d j . s v o b o d a . 2001. Perishable industries from Dolnı́ Věstonice I: New insights into the nature and origin of the Gravettian. Archaeology, Ethnology, and Anthropology of Eurasia 2(6):48–65. a d o v a s i o , j . m . , o . s o f f e r , d . c . h y l a n d , b . k l ı́ m a , a n d j . s v o b o d a . 1998. Perishable technologies and the genesis of the Eastern Gravettian. Anthropologie 36(1–2):43–68. ———. 1999. Textil, kosakarstvi a site v mladém paleolitu moravy. Archeologické Rozhledy 51:58–94. b a h n , p . 1985. “Utilisation des ressources végétales dans le Paléolithique et le Mésolithique des Pyrénées Française,” in Homenage al Dr. Joseph Ma. Corominas, pp. 203–12. Quaderna del Centre d’Estudia Comarcals de Banyoles 1. ———. 2001. Palaeolithic weaving: A contribution from Chauvet. Antiquity 75:271–72. c h e y n i e r , a . 1967. Comment vivait l’homme des caverns à l’âge du renne. Paris: Editions Robert Arnaux. h e i t e , l . 1998. Spear straightener or spinning tool? Mammoth Trumpet 134(3):18–19. k e h o e , a . b . 1991. “The weaver’s wrath,” in The archaeology of gender: Proceedings of the Twenty-second Annual Conference of the Archaeological Association of the University of Calgary. Edited by D. Walde and N. D. Willow, pp. 430–35. Calgary: University of Calgary Archaeological Association. ———. 1999. “Warping prehistory: Direct data and ethnographic analogies for fiber manufactures,” in Ethno-analogy and the reconstruction of prehistoric artefact use and production. Edited by L. R. Owen and M. Porr, pp. 31–41. Urgeschichtliche Materialhefte 14. Tubingen: Mo Vince Verlag. l a c o r r e , f . 1960. La Gravette. Lavalloise: Imprimerie Berneoud. s o f f e r , o . 2000. “Gravettian technologies in social contexts,” in Hunters of the Golden Age. Edited by W. Roebroeks, M. Mussi, and J. Svoboda, pp. 59–75. Leiden: University of Leiden Press. s o f f e r , o . , j . m . a d o v a s i o , a n d d . h y l a n d . 2000. The “Venus” figurines: Textiles, basketry, gender, and status in the Upper Paleolithic. current anthropology 41:511–37. ———. 2002. “Perishable technologies and invisible people: Nets, baskets, and ’Venus’ wear ca. 26,000 b.p.,” in Enduring records: The environmental and cultural heritage of wetlands. Edited by B. A. Purdy, pp. 233–45. Oxford: Oxbow Books. s o f f e r , o . , j . m . a d o v a s i o , j . s . i l l i n g w o r t h , h . a . a m i r k h a n o v, n . d . p r a s l o v, a n d m . s t r e e t . 2000. Palaeolithic perishables made permanent. Antiquity 74: 812–21. s o f f e r , o . , a n d p . v a n d i v e r . 1994. “The ceramics,” in Pavlov I, excavations 1953–1954. Edited by J. Svoboda, pp. 161–74. Liège: University of Liège. ———. 1997. “The ceramics from Pavlov I, 1957 excavation,” in Pavlov I—Northwest: The Upper Paleolithic burial and its settlement context. Edited by J. Svoboda, pp. 383–402. Brno: Institute of Archaeology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. v a n d i v e r , p . b . , o . s o f f e r , b . k l ı́ m a , a n d j . s v o b o d a . 1989. The origins of ceramic technology at Dolnı́ Věstonice, Czechoslovakia. Science 246:1002–8. z a v e r n i a e v, f . m . 1987. Tekhnika obrabotki kosti iz Khotylevskoj verkhnepaleoliticheskoj stoianki. Sovetskaia Arkheologiia, no. 3, pp. 111–30. Persistence of Botanical Knowledge among Tzeltal Maya Children

A New Ecosystems Ecology for Anthropology

Conversation between anthropology and ecosystems ecology was interrupted in the early 1980s, due to several well-reasoned critiques (Vayda and McCay 1975, Ellen 1982, Smith 1984, Winterhalder 1984, Moran 1990) of then-popular applications of ecosystems theory in anthropology (Rappaport 1968, Kemp 1969, Thomas 1973, 1976) and due, especially perhaps, to the appearance of promising alternative ecological (Vayda 1983, Winterhalder 1984) and evolutionary (Cavalli-Sforza and Feldman 1981, Boyd and Richerson 1985, Rindos 1986, Durham 1991) paradigms and programs. Since then, ecosystems ecology has been both refined and transformed by the study of complex systems, with its radical critique of science (Odum 1983, Prigogine and Stengers 1984; Salthe 1985; Holling 1986, Wicken 1987). The resulting “new ecology” answers most of the early criticisms of ecosystems (Scoones 1999: 481–483), and proposes theory and methods to address the dynamics of ecosystems as complex systems.

Defining biocultural approaches to conservation.

We contend that biocultural approaches to conservation can achieve effective and just conservation outcomes while addressing erosion of both cultural and biological diversity. Here, we propose a set of guidelines for the adoption of biocultural approaches to conservation. First, we draw lessons from work on biocultural diversity and heritage, social-ecological systems theory, integrated conservation and development, co-management, and community-based conservation to define biocultural approaches to conservation. Second, we describe eight principles that characterize such approaches. Third, we discuss reasons for adopting biocultural approaches and challenges. If used well, biocultural approaches to conservation can be a powerful tool for reducing the global loss of both biological and cultural diversity.

Mountains and Biocultural Diversity

Abstract The importance of montane regions for biological diversity is well known. We also know that mountains contain a great deal of cultural diversity, despite the relatively small number of people living in mountains compared to other regions. What has been less explored is the interrelationship between mountains, biological diversity, and cultural diversity. The study of biocultural diversity involves a search for patterns across landscapes. As an inherently spatial phenomenon, biocultural diversity can readily be explored through the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Our research has resulted in the development of a global database and map noting the linkage between high linguistic diversity and high plant diversity in montane regions throughout the world. In the present paper we focus mainly on the island of New Guinea to illustrate how important mountains are for biocultural diversity. The implications of this research for identifying areas in need of conservation and development strategies aimed at both biological and cultural diversity are briefly discussed.

Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Linguistic Diversity

Our species displays remarkable linguistic diversity. Although the uneven distribution of this diversity demands explanation, the drivers of these patterns have not been conclusively determined. We address this issue in two steps: First, we review previous empirical studies whose authors have suggested environmental, geographical, and sociocultural drivers of linguistic diversification. However, contradictory results and methodological variation make it difficult to draw general conclusions. Second, we outline a program for future research. We suggest that future analyses should account for interactions among causal factors, the lack of spatial and phylogenetic independence of the data, and transitory patterns. Recent analytical advances in biogeography and evolutionary biology, such as simulation modeling of diversity patterns, hold promise for testing four key mechanisms of language diversification proposed here: neutral change, population movement, contact, and selection. Future modeling approaches should also evaluate how the outcomes of these processes are influenced by demography, environmental heterogeneity, and time.

Advances in Ethnobiological Field Methods

This article serves as an introduction for a special issue of Field Methods titled “Field Methods in Ethnobiology.” The contribution of ethnobiological research to the development of methods in the social sciences is explored in a historical perspective. A summary of the articles found in the special issue is presented.

Plant Resins. Chemistry, Evolution, Ecology, Ethnobotany

Botanists, including those with an economic bent, and ecologists recognize the importance of palms for a multitude of reasons. As such, palms have been the focus of much research. Tomlinson (1990) provided a solid understanding of palm anatomy and Johnson (1996) outlined issues in palm conservation. Even a fairly thorough review of the economic botany literature pertaining to palms has been compiled by Balick and Beck (1990). Several authors have addressed palm evolution and classification: Moore (1973), Uhl and Dransfield (1987), and Henderson and Borchenius (1999). The last, like many edited volumes, is a spotty treatment of the topic. In this new book Henderson brings us up to date in our present understanding of palm evolution while acknowledging that more data are needed to fill in the many gaps and come to a new understanding of their evolutionary relationships. Given the importance of palms in tropical ecosystems, the lack of a family-based ecological synthesis has been another significant gap in their study. Economic botanists increasingly engage in studies that consider ecological parameters of plant use and management, and palms are frequently the plants of choice. Thus, Henderson’s newest book is a welcome addition on our library shelves. The introductory chapter provides a synopsis and a theoretical framework on which Henderson bases his book, materials and methods, and a summary of the major groups of palms recognized (after Moore). This chapter, plus the next four, review: palm morphology and evolution—stem growth and development; stem size and shape; leaves; and inflorescences. Henderson’s stated emphasis is on stems. He builds his case for their central importance in palm evolution, while acknowledging that he downplays leaves and inflorescences in part because much of their morphology is due to stem size and shape, and also because much has already been published on them. The remaining six chapters address specific ecological aspects of palms: duration of reproduction; phenology of breeding systems; pollination; fecundity and gestation; fruits and seeds—predation and dispersal; and germination. The emphasis here is decidedly on reproduction. Palms have their own terminology and a four page glossary is dutifully provided to assist the uninitiated. The lengthy (21 pages) bibliography is welcome. A 45 page appendix includes 1,245 palm species, arranged by major group, in which Henderson summarizes major morphological traits, germination, habitat, and parity for each. The one page epilogue recapitulates what has proceeded and nicely lays out what Henderson thinks are the most important things to know when considering palm evolution and ecology. Any economic botanist with so much as a passing interest in palms should at the very least take a gander at it (the glossary handily begins on the facing page), and consider well its implications for our studies. Indeed, it would have been wonderful if Henderson had helped us make more connections between people and palms. Alas, he makes only a few passing references. That’s okay. It wasn’t his task. Let’s thank him for his synthesis and work on that part ourselves, made a bit easier, now that he’s provided us with an evolutionary and ecological frame on which to build.

Increased Market Integration, Value, and Ecological Knowledge of Tea Agroforests in the Akha Highlands of Southwest China

This study assesses the persistence and change of traditional land use patterns and ecological knowledge in response to expanded commercialization of tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica (L.) Kuntze Theaceae) in an indigenous Akha (Hani) community in the midlevel montane forests of southwest Yunnan, China. Surveys were conducted in 2005 and 2008, over a period corresponding to a regional tea market boom and bust cycle, to compare the valuation smallholders attribute to land use types and to determine the role that value systems play in shaping environmental behavior and knowledge. At the community level, increased market integration of tea agroforests is associated with reconfiguration of land use, intensified management, reorganization of labor structures, and generation of knowledge on tea resources. Akha have tapped into customary resources and forged new social networks with tea industry agents to take advantage of emerging market opportunities. They have resisted state reforms calling for the cultivation of high-intensity plantations and introduced cultivars. Consequently, they have benefited from price premiums through niche market networks for tea sourced from agroforests and proprietary landraces not available to other communities disempowered by market cycles. Subsistence agriculture, home gardening, and foraging persist for food security despite tea wealth. However, as traditional values are reoriented toward market-based ideologies, the community may risk a breakdown of the social institutions that support sustainability.

Comparative homegarden medical ethnobotany of Naxi healers and farmers in Northwestern Yunnan, China

BackgroundHomegardens are ecologically and culturally important systems for cultivating medicinal plants for wellbeing by healers and farmers in Naxi communities of the Sino Himalayan region. The cultivation of medicinal plants in Naxi communities and associated ethnomedical knowledge base for maintaining and utilizing these resources is at risk with expanded commercialization of natural resources, development policies and rapid socio-economic change in China. Research is needed to understand the medicinal plant species maintained in Naxi homegardens, their use and contribution to community wellbeing, and how these practices and knowledge base varies between Naxi healers and farmers in order to develop plans for biodiversity conservation and preservation of ethnomedical practices. The main objective of this study is to document and compare medicinal plant species in Naxi homegardens and associated ethnomedical knowledge between Naxi healers and farmers.MethodsEthnobotanical homegarden surveys were conducted with three Naxi healers and 28 farmer households in two Naxi communities in Lijiang Prefecture in Northwest Yunnan Province of China. Surveys included inventories of medicinal plants in homegardens and semi-structured interviews with homegarden managers to document traditional medicinal uses of inventoried plants. Inventoried plants were classified into 13 ‘usage categories’ of medical condition groupings that impact a system of the body. Finally, plant species richness was calculated for each homegarden and species richness was compared between healers and farmers as well as between study sites using a Least Square Means Tukey HSD function.ResultsEthnobotanical surveys at the study sites found that 13% of households rely exclusively on traditional Naxi medicine, 26% exclusively use Western medicine and 61% use a combination of traditional Naxi and Western medicine. A total of 106 medicinal plants were inventoried in Naxi homegardens representing 50 botanical families. Over 85% of inventoried medicinal plants were herbaceous. The most represented families were Asteraceae (12.8%), Ranunculaceae (8.3%), Apiaceae (8.3%), and Polygonaceae (7.3%). The primary medical functions of inventoried plants were to treat inflammation (73 species), circulatory system disorders (62), nervous system disorders (41), detoxification (39), digestive system disorders (33), muscular-skeletal system disorders (26), genitourinary system disorders (26), skin conditions (23), respiratory systems disorders (22), and cold and flu (20). Local herbal experts maintained greater medicinal plant species richness in their homegardens compared to local farmers as well as had greater knowledge of medicinal functions of plants. Healers maintained medicinal plants primarily for healing while farmer households maintained approximately 90% of the medicinal plants in their homegardens for commercialization and the remaining for household healthcare.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of biodiversity and traditional ecological and medical knowledge for human wellbeing and livelihoods in Naxi communities. Conservation efforts and policies are necessary to preserve the ecological and cultural base that maintains medicinal plant use by both healers and farmers in Naxi homegardens of the Sino Himalayan region.

Metabolite profiling of Camellia sinensis by automated sequential, multidimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry reveals strong monsoon effects on tea constituents.

Seasonal variation in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze; Theaceae) chemistry was investigated using automated sequential, multidimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-GC/MS). Metabolite libraries were produced for teas harvested from the Bulang Mountains in Yunnan, China before and after the onset of the East Asian Monsoon. A total of 201 spring and 196 monsoon metabolites were identified, with 169 common and 59 seasonally unique compounds. An additional 163 metabolites were detected but their identity could not be confirmed. Spectral deconvolution of GC/MS data was used to measure the relative concentrations in the teas. Within each family individual metabolite concentrations increased, decreased and stayed the same. The major constituents in both teas were linalool (28%), geraniol (13%), α-terpineol (10%), hotrienol (4%) and nerol (3%). This work provides the foundation to monitor seasonal variations of tea chemistry.