Slash and burn agriculture and plant cultivated on upper Maroni: comparative study among Aluku and Wayana peoples in French Guiana

Abstract

In the late 18^th century, Aluku Maroons, descendants of rebel slaves from Dutch plantations and Wayana Indians, fleeing from Brazilian slave hunters met on the upper Maroni in French Guiana. They shared the river and several techniques of subsistence, including slash and burn agriculture, and cultived plants. However our study shows that ancestor worship among the Maroons impacts their crop cycle (through the cultivation of rice) and influences their environmental management. Similarly the nature and diversity of crops differs significantly based on traditional cooking habits and practices of both populations. Aluku selected a lot of species and varieties of plants that are their own and are linked to their African roots. The Indians grow useful plants specific to shamanism (tobacco) and their traditional crafts. Moreover, their perception of nature involves different cultural practices including before clearing. This study illustrates the influence of cultural diversity on the management of agro-biodiversity and more generally on the adaptation of man to his environment.

Keywords
Slash and burn agriculture; French Guiana; Aluku Marrons people; Wayana Amerindians; Crops; Agrobiodiversity