list of figures - Terry Sunderland

species that are of functional importance and those that are not (Hunn, 1976; Hunn,
1982; Atran, 1983; Randall and Hunn, 1984; Gianno, 1986; Balée and Daly, 1989). In
addition, comparison of such “special classifications” with the general-purpose
classification system utilised by indigenous societies, within the plant kingdom,
provides significant insight into how useful plants are classified within, and relate to,
such classifications (ibid.).
The rattans of Africa are taxa of immense functional value and the classification
systems of which they are part are based as much in recognition of this functional
utility as they are on morphological discontinuities. This chapter presents the findings
of a recent study of a number of rattan and general-purpose classification systems
within selected languages of the Bantu language sub-group of Central Africa in
particular, as well as a cursory review of those of the non-Bantu languages within the
greater Niger-Congo language family of West Africa. Based on extensive fieldwork,
as well as a broad review of herbarium collections and available literature, a
comprehensive study of rattan nomenclature and systems of classification is presented
for the first time. This review is based on the vernacular names listed in Appendix 1.
6.2 INDIGENOUS UTILISATION OF AFRICAN RATTANS
As is the case in South East Asia, the rattans of Africa play an integral role in the
maintenance of the economy of forest peoples and are a crucial component of
subsistence-based systems (Abbiw, 1990; Davies and Richards, 1991; Falconer, 1994;
Morakinyo, 1994; Townson, 1995; Defo, 1997; 1999; Defo and Sunderland, 1999;
Sunderland, 1999a; 1999b; Minga, in press; Tenati, in press). The most important
product of these rattan palms is cane; this is the stem stripped of its leaf sheaths and
stem epidermis, although the epidermis is also often utilised for basic weaving. The
inner stem is solid, strong and uniform, yet it is highly flexible. The canes are used
either in whole or round form or are split, peeled or cored. This latter raw material can
then be used as a simple rope or is woven for baskets or other products. The range of
indigenous uses of rattan canes across Africa is vast. Aside from the extensive use of
this inner stem, other plant parts of some species of rattan are utilised for a wider
range of purposes and some plant parts have alimentary, household or medicinal
purposes.
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