Inventário Toponímico e Abordagem Etnogeográfica do Mundo Agrário e Alimentos Tradicionais no Quadrilátero Ferrífero e Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri/ MG

Abstract

Traditional foods in the ancient mining regions in Minas Gerais state (southeastern Brazil) are, at issue, in this paper, in which toponymic studies are focused. Researches here developed look for questioning about traditional foods role in the context of cultural studies - especially those linked to Ethnogeography and Environmental Perception approaches. The research uses pointedly geographical conceptual categories of analysis and interpretation paradigms. The methodological tools adopted included: bibliographic and cartographic researches; toponymic studies; field work (with the completion of semi-structured interviews); plus data contextualization and systematization. It is worthy to recognize the strategic nature of this preservation and revaluation of country culture concerning knowledge rooted in the identity of the population. It is relevant to point out, however, that maintaining traditional knowledge as eating habits, along with other communitarian experiences have, actually, guaranteed local actors’ and Maroon peasants’ ethnopolitical action and new territorialities.