THE INTERACTION OF WOMEN TENTEHAR WITH PLANTS, IN THE VILLAGE MORRO BRANCO, GRAJAÚ – MARANHÃO, BRAZIL

Abstract

With the aim of getting to know the plants cultivated by the Tentehar women from the Morro Branco village, Grajaú–MA, we carried out a qualitative approach, with on-site observations and semi-structured interviews with eight women. Of the 27 plants mentioned, we emphasize a drink containing several plants, in the prophylaxis and in the eatment of Covid-19. We highlight that women created their own protocols, based on local knowledge, sayings and actions, to face the disease, but, we believe that the most important measure was the creation of a sanitary barrier, which prevented non-residents from entering the village. The interaction of these women with plants goes beyond management, as they demonstrate ancestral knowledge about plants and their different uses and customs. We observed a relationship of intimacy and respect between the interlocutors and the plants grown in their backyards, revealing a set of knowledge, beliefs and experiences, which is based on daily interaction with its cultivars, that could contribute to environmental education, supported by the establishment of conservation strategies for the village's natural resources.