The present study analyzes the naming terminology given to the palms (Arecaceae) by the Baniwa Indians of the indigenous community of Tunuí Cachoeira, in the Upper Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazil, in order to obtain the translation and/or the meaning of the words. Data collection was achieved through the use of direct structured and semi-structured personal interviews, group study, and guided site-visits (to the plants in question). In analyzing the terms, it was possible to recognize naming characteristics tied to morphology (58%), ecology (29%) and culture (13%). It also was possible to demonstrate that there are superordinate terms (generics) that connect by hierarchical inclusion the subordinate categories (specifics), indicating a categorization and subcategorization in descending order. This is in accord with the Berlinian model which names the primary lexeme and secondary lexeme, respectively. These analyses contribute to a better understanding of the traditional knowledge of the Baniwa people.
Arecaceae; Ethnobotany; Ethnobiological Nomenclature; Baniwa Indians
