Space, Place, and Hunting Patterns among Indigenous Peoples of the Guyanese Rupununi Region

Journal or Book Title: Journal of Latin American Geography

Keywords: indigenous hunting; place; Makushi; geographic information systems

Volume/Issue: 9/3

Page Number(s): 213-243

Year Published: 2010

Abstract:

Hunting remains an important subsistence activity for many indigenous peoples of the Neotropics. This paper describes indigenous hunting patterns using a mixed-methods approach in southern Guyana from a space and place perspective that takes into account both biophysical and cultural/spiritual factors. Findings confirm those of others, that distance from community, mediated by characteristics of the biophysical environment, impacts where hunters go. Mapping of the spiritual landscape, however, demonstrates that sense of place is also important. This paper argues that researchers and managers should be careful to incorporate both the local environmental and cultural/spiritual contexts in studies that inform biodiversity and sustainable resource-use management.

Type of Publication: Journal Article

Publisher: Conference of Latin Americanist Geographers

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