A construção do domínio etnozoológico “inseto” pelos moradores do povoado de Pedra Branca, Santa Terezinha, Estado da Bahia

Abstract

This article discusses the perception and the construction of the ethnozoological dominion “insect” by the inhabitants of Pedra Branca village, Santa Terezinha, central-west region of Bahia. Data were obtained from February to May 2001 through open and semi-structured interviews, and also by observations of behaviors of 74 males and 79 females, from 4 to 108 years old. It was noted that the linguistic label “insect” is used as a broad ethnotaxonomic category that brings together different organisms not systematically related (rat, snake, lizard, etc.), besides the Linnean insects. According to the data recorded both in this village and from the literature, it could be hypothesized that the dominion “insect” occurs as a pattern in the ethnobiological classification systems. An apprenticeship process based on suitable sensorial stimulus could lead people change their attitudes toward insects, making them more bearable to live together with these organisms