Studies of cultivated plants in Choco dwelling clearings, Darien, panama

Abstract

Useful plants and techniques of their cultivation were studied in and around dwelling clearings of Choco Indians in tropical rain forests of Darien, Panama. The population sampled consisted of 115 adult Chocos living at 26 sites along the banks of the Rio Chucunaque and two of its tributaries, the Rio Tuquesa and Rio Chico. The Rio Chico had a higher population density per linear mite of river bank, but less dwelling area per person was kept clear of vegetation. A map of each clearing allowed comparison of the frequency and spatial distributions of useful plants. These data are statistically treated elsewhere. A decrease in both numbers and variety of native plants occurred as commercially important plants were established on a larger scale. Creation of open niches by means of trash heaps became more definite as distance from the riverbank increased; edible plants were often growing in such locations. Present-day agricultural techniques among the Choco may illustrate their agricultural history. A comparison is made with several extant theories of early agriculture. Small-scale, more intensive gardening was noted in village clearings; groups of dwellings may thus have been a cause rather than a result of field agriculture.