list of figures - Terry Sunderland

1977; Berlin, 1992). This hypothesis has been supported by comparison of the
classifications of a number of indigenous groups and has led to the development of
the theoretical model by Berlin and his collaborators (Berlin, 1973; Berlin et al.,
1973; Berlin, 1977; Berlin, 1992). Berlin’s model is based on hierarchy and
recognises five (sometimes six) mutually exclusive ranks that are logically
comparable to contemporary scientific approaches to taxonomy. Within this
framework, the folk classification systems of rattan, encountered through our studies,
are discussed.
Figure 91. Berlin’s theoretical model of ethnobotanical classification showing “the schematic
relationship of the universal ethnobiological ranks and their relative hierarchical positions as
shown in an idealised system.” (Berlin, 1992).
6.4.2 The unique beginner (or kingdom)
Beginning with the highest, or most inclusive, category, the unique beginner (or
kingdom) is the most general category, which is implicitly recognised by most folk
societies and distinguishes between the plant and animal kingdoms. However, this
distinction is commonly of a covert nature for most indigenous societies and explicit
terms for “plant” or “animal” do not exist in most folk taxonomies (Berlin, 1992).
Indeed, Berlin (1973) argues that the terms for “plant” or “animal” are quite recent
constructs citing linguistic investigation that the term for plant in any language is first
found in Albertus Magnus in the 13 th century, appearing only as recently as 300 years
ago in French (Berlin, 1973: 267). It is hence unsurprising that in many pre-scientific
societies the nomenclatural designation for kingdom is covert.
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