Revising the Cultural Significance Index: The Case of the Fulni-ô in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

This article proposes a new way of calculating the Cultural Significance Index (CSI), with the goal of improving it as an instrument for recording the importance of each plant species to human groups. In the present formula (CSI = σ(i×e×c)×CF), different variables are considered: i (species management), e (use preference), and c (use frequency); in addition, a correction factor was introduced (CF). Among the ten most important species, nine are native species, demonstrating the importance of the caatinga (semiarid vegetation) to the Fulni-ô in northeastern Brazil. With the exception of Syagrus coronata Mart. Becc., which is used for handicrafts, all these species have medicinal uses. It is concluded that the CSI presented here indicates mainly the importance of medicinal species for the Fulni-ô Indians in a more complete and objective manner.