list of figures - Terry Sunderland

CHAPTER SIX
INDIGENOUS NOMENCLATURE, CLASSIFICATION AND
6.1 INTRODUCTION
UTILISATION OF AFRICAN RATTANS
The recording of vernacular names as part of ethnobotanical research has become
routine so that contemporary works on ethnobotany provide detailed methodologies
on how to collect local nomenclatural information (Given and Harris, 1994; Martin,
1995; Alexiades, 1996). Whilst the limitations of studying vernacular names in
isolation have been recognised (Wilkie and Saridan, 1999), it is known that the careful
study of plant names reveals a wealth of knowledge on how indigenous people
perceive and utilise their plant resources (Berlin 1973; Berlin et al., 1973; Berlin,
1977; Brown, 1977; Hays, 1983; Balée, 1989; Berlin, 1992). It is also proven that
studies of nomenclature can provide deep insights into the ethnobotanical taxonomic
structure utilised by indigenous societies (Berlin 1973; Berlin et al., 1973; Berlin,
1977; Balée, 1989; Berlin, 1992).
This cognitive approach to the study of ethnobotany has been widely applied and,
despite considerable regional, ethnic and social differences in the communities
studied, many researchers have identified similar systems of folk classification found
in place across the world (Ekandem, 1955; Berlin 1973; Berlin et al., 1973; Friedberg,
1974; Berlin, 1977; Brown, 1977; Hays, 1983; Balée, 1989; Berlin, 1992). The
recurrent features of these systems has led to the formulation of basic principles of
ethnobiological classification utilised by many folk societies (Berlin 1973; Berlin et
al., 1973; Berlin, 1977; Berlin, 1992) principles that provide useful models for the
study of how indigenous societies view their plant resources.
The majority of folk classifications, it is claimed, are based on the universal
significance of the morphological discontinuities among plants, and rarely, is
classification based on functional considerations such as cultural utility (Berlin 1973;
Berlin, 1992). However, utilitarian approaches to classification are also considered of
significant importance in the understanding of how indigenous peoples relate to
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