Abstract

LARA PONCE, E et al. Ethnomap: use of natural resources by the mayan itzaes of San Jose and San Andres, Peten, Guatemala. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2012, vol.28, n.2, pp.97-117. ISSN 0186-2979.

This article analyses the richness and importance of the concept of the ethnomap, as a tool for cultural and spatial analyses, based on a map prepared by mayan Itzae inhabitants of two communities located in El Petén, Guatemala. The study took place between October 2006 and September 2007, and included surveys carried out with a proportional sampling of Itzae family units in two settlements of the central Petén, San José (n = 40) and San Andrés (n = 22). A systems theory was applied in the analysis and interpretation of the data, resulting in the definition of the agricultural components and the natural resources that the Mayas use in the two communities. Findings suggest that the agricultural and tropical forest activities carried out by the Itzaes represent important economic activities, characterised by the use of a wide range of natural and agricultural species. These activities represent a fundamental resource base for the Itzae-maya population. The characteristics of these systems are comparable to those recorded by other studies on different Maya groups, confirming the diversity of possibilities for the adaptation and resource management models of the Itzaes. The ethnomap validates the profound local knowledge of the territorial distribution of anthropogenic and natural resources. It also makes it possible to analyse the changes facing the local Itzae populations, following the socioeconomic and technological pressures that are present in the central Petén region of Guatemala.

Keywords : Ethnomap; knowledge; natural resources; mayan Itzaes; Peten; Guatemala.