Small-scale utilization of rattan by a Semai community in West Malaysia

TitleSmall-scale utilization of rattan by a Semai community in West Malaysia
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1988
AuthorsAvé, W
JournalEconomic Botany
Volume42
Issue1
Pagination105-119
Date PublishedJan.-March 1988
LanguageEnglish
Keywordsaquatic resources; handcrafts; Malaysia; rattan
Abstract

The role rattan plays in the life of a small Semai community in West Malaysia is discussed. Of the 24 rattan species occurring in the study area, four are frequently used for binding, house building, basketry, fish traps and snares, and other artifacts. These are briefly described and some illustrated. Some species are used for food, medicinal, and ritual purposes. The Semai have a profound knowledge of nature and have a good concept of rattan systematics that comes very close to scientific classification. Demand for rattan for commercial use threatens the rattan populations and has led to heavy depletion of some of the most useful species.

URLhttp://www.jstor.org/stable/4255051
DOI10.1007/BF02859040
Research Notes

ArticleType: research-article

Full publication date: Jan. - Mar., 1988

Copyright © 1988 New York Botanical Garden Press

ISSN

0013-0001; 1874-9364