Maya-Yucatecan homegardens: Supporting social networks through exchanges

Abstract

This presentation, submitted at the XI International Conference of Ethnobiology, examines the importance and role of homegardens in social networks within the context of an indigenous community located in Yucatan State, Mexico. Specifically, exchange relations and genealogy (kinship) networks are analyzed. Preliminary findings suggest that household exchanges are common, homegardens provide most of the material for exchanges, and women are the main agents of exchange relations thereby supporting social networks.