The Human Use of Insects: Examples from the Yukpa

Abstract

Entomophagy often plays an integral and complementary role in the diet of autochthonous groups in tropical South America where it helps to compensate for the general deficiency of animal proteins and other vital protective products. Most studies have regarded insect-eating as an archaic trait which is gradually disappearing owing to the steady encroachment of more modern subsistence systems. Among the Yukpa-Yuko Indians of Venezuela and Colombia, however, insect foods have retained their importance in the less acculturated communities. Cultural ecological research was conducted among this tribe between 1969 and 1971. Specimens for identification were procured in the areas exploited for subsistence purposes by the Irapa, Maraca, and Rionegro subgroups. The collection and use of insects belonging to 22 genera and 7 orders is discussed. THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE dealing specifically with the utilization of insects in preindustrial societies is both scattered and sparse, and is generally of a somewhat cursory nature. The nonfood uses of insects, in particular, are not usually mentioned. Although there are several recent thorough regional and local studies by Fischer (1955), Quin (1959), and Reim (1962), Bodenheimer's (1951) monographic survey of entomophagy throughout the world remains the sole source of comparative material. The lack of more precise references, in most of the works of those whose research permits protracted observation of preindustrial societies, may stem partly from the strong culturally conditioned repugnance with which many people perceive invertebrate fauna. The fact that many people regard entomophagy as either a curiosity or a relict of barbarism may, unfortunately, persuade the indigenous population to withhold information from investigators. The Yukpa obviously do not regard all insects as repulsive, and during the course of fieldwork it became evident that certain insect foods were preferred to fresh meat. Quin (1959: 114) noted a similar attitude among the Pedi. Research among the Yukpa indicates that the food use of insects by the tribesmen represents a simple response to the physiological need for proteins, fats, and other substances of animal origin. Despite the general paucity of reliable information, there can be little doubt that in many tribal societies insect products play an integral dietary role, both to supplement grave deficiencies during emergency periods, and, more important, as a complementary food source at certain regular seasons. The diets of marginal societies in the tropics, in addition to being often inadequate in quantity, are, with alarming frequency, deficient in animal proteins and fats, vitamins, and important minerals. These deficiencies are a general and constant phenomenon, and are not limited only to the hungry season.' Laboratory analyses2 clearly indicate that the edible insects of these regions are not consumed as mere delicacies, but afford the native population with precisely those elements which their basic diets lack. Those insects most widely eaten in large quantities have a high calorific value and are very rich in animal proteins and fats. Products such as honey and honeydew are almost universally prized as sources of easily assimilated carbohydrates for the production of working energy, and formed the principal foodstuff of such diverse peoples as the Guayakis (Vellard 1939), the Veddas (Spittel 1924), and the Bambuti pygmies (Schebesta 1938). Insects are less important sources of mineral salts and vita-