Abstract

FIGUEROA SAAVEDRA, Miguel; MONTERO, Liliana  and  SANCHEZ SANCHEZ, Odilón. An Ethnohistorical Approach to the Use and Semi-domestication of Xuta (Jatropha curcas L.) in New Spain. Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2020, vol.41, n.162, pp.62-85.  Epub Mar 02, 2021. ISSN 2448-7554.  https://doi.org/10.24901/rehs.v41i162.790.

This study adopts an ethnohistorical perspective to examine exploitation of the plant Jatropha curcas in New Spain from the 16th-18th centuries. A thorough, critical analysis of the relevant sources of information allowed us to corroborate that this species was exploited by various cultural groups at that time. While its traditional uses (medicinal, nutritional, in artisanal production, among others) differ from some contemporary forms of utilization, they also show a degree of cultural continuity that allows us to appreciate their preponderant role in the possible semi-domestication of this plant in Mexico.

Keywords : Jatropha curcas; ethnohistory; uses; domestication.