Plant Taxonomy of the Parakuyo (Tanzania)

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Periodical article

Title:	Plant Taxonomy of the Parakuyo (Tanzania)
Author:	Hurskainen, Arvi
Year:	1994
Periodical:	Nordic Journal of African Studies
Volume:	3
Issue:	2
Pages:	117-162
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Tanzania
Subjects:	Baraguyu taxonomy plants plant names Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://njas.fi/njas/article/view/694/517
Abstract:	The Parakuyo (earlier also called Ilparakuyo, Baraguyu, Kwavi, Lumbwa, and Iloikop) are a Maa-speaking ethnic group scatttered over a large area in the northeastern and central parts of Tanzania. The data on Parakuyo plant taxonomy presented here were obtained principally from the Iladóe area (the area of the Doe people, from Chalinze northwards, in the Western Bagamoyo District). Data on plant names and uses were recorded in several phases of anthropological fieldwork from 1975 onwards. A more systematic study of taxonomies, including plant taxonomy, was started in 1982 and continued in 1983-1985, and again in 1989-1991. The plant vocabulary itself is preceded by a discussion of taxonomic categories and plant use. The vast majority of known plants, 286 out of 349, are used by the Parakuyo in some way, either as food for human beings, forage for animals, material for building and household needs, firewood, or medicine, or for ritual purposes. Bibliogr., notes, ref.