The Sustainability of Paiwan Food Plants: An Ethnobotanical Perspective - Softcover

Lau, Y. Han

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3639124804 ISBN 13: 9783639124804

Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2009

Synopsis

The relationship between Paiwan and their food plants are examined in terms of the functional roles of food processing technologies and traditional ceremonies on the sustainability of Paiwan food plants. Three specific case studies of Paiwan food plants are presented as examples of possible outcomes of changes. The persistence of traditional practices is not only dependent on finding new cultural meaning to traditional cultural practice but also the economic means to create the environment that is conducive to their continuous existence. The Paiwan are undergoing a period when they are being challenged to preserve their cultural identity while at the same time, adapt to social and economical pressures. In addition, the village landscapes of several Amis villages in Hualien County were also surveyed. There is a significant difference between the Paiwan and Amis in terms of the number of food plants, or specifically, ancient food plants found in the villages. This study has demonstrated that ancient food plant species composition in a village can be used as an indicator for cultural identity. The implication is that village landscape does reflect cultural identity.

About this title

About the Author:

Y. Han Lau's research interests include Southeast Asian ethnobotany, theoretical ethnobiology and complex system theories. He has conducted extensive ethnobotany field research in East and Southeast Asia. His current research focus is on the evolution of complexity in biocultural systems.

About this edition

• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 3639124804
• ISBN 13: 9783639124804
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 152