Medicinal plants in the lives of Xipaya and Kuruaya indigenous women: stories, traditional knowledge and uses in the city of Altamira, Pará

Abstract

This article sought to understand the importance of medicinal plants in the life of the Xipaya and Kuruaya indigenous peoples, highlighting the traditional knowledge, uses and cultural aspects. These ethnic groups live in Altamira, Pará State, Brazil. We observed, from interviews carried out with women of both ethnic groups, how these traditions are maintained, even in urban territory, pointing out the difficulties faced and the benefits that knowledge provides. We realized open interviews, structured conversations with the indigenous women, with the purpose of describing the knowledge and experiences lived by the elderly. These conversations were recorded using a cell phone for later consultation during the construction of the text. The knowledge and use of medicinal plants historically belonged to the shamans; however, with social and territorial changes, the Xipaya and Kuruaya women added these activities to their workdays. After analysis, it was concluded that knowledge about medicinal plants and their uses is a cultural trait of these indigenous people, which is not only reproduced but continues to evolve through their action.