Wood identification and traditional boatbuilding along the Amazonian coast
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Traditional wooden boatbuilding remains essential for mobility, fishing activities, and local economies along the Brazilian Amazonian coast. In this context, wood selection often relies on empirical knowledge and vernacular nomenclature, which may obscure the taxonomic identity and technological attributes of the materials used. This study evaluated macroscopic wood anatomy as an applied tool for identifying timber employed in traditional coastal boatyards in the state of Pará, Brazil. A total of 123 wood samples were collected from active boatyards in the municipalities of Bragança (including the village of Bacuriteua), Augusto Corrêa, and Viseu. Samples were identified based on diagnostic anatomical characters observed under low magnification, supported by specialized literature, reference databases, and comparisons with wood collection specimens. Correspondence between vernacular names and botanical taxa was assessed, and technological properties relevant to boatbuilding were synthesized from the literature. Macroscopic anatomy allowed the recognition of 15 taxa and revealed non-one-to-one correspondences between vernacular nomenclature and botanical identity. Literature-reported technological data for the identified taxa and reference species showed a predominance of medium- to high-density woods, with moderate to high natural durability and substantial mechanical strength among taxa for which these properties were available. These characteristics are consistent with technological requirements previously reported for wooden boat construction. These findings show that anatomical identification can clarify the botanical identity underlying locally used timber names and provide a taxonomic basis for interpreting previously documented patterns of timber selection. Integrating anatomical identification, vernacular classification, and technological information strengthens the interface between taxonomy and traditional use and may support management, traceability, and conservation strategies for woody resources in culturally relevant production systems.
Source: Ethnobiology and Conservation
Authors: Dáleth Sabrinne da Silva Souza, Gabriele Melo de Andrade, Laise de Jesus dos Santos, Dáfilla Yara Oliveira de Brito, Lohana Vieira Souza, Pâmela da Silva Ferreira, Yohana Barros da Silva, João Carlos Ferreira de Melo Júnior, Iedo Souza Santos, Marlana Cristina Queiroz da Silva, Roberta Sá Leitão Barboza, Moirah Paula Machado de Menezes, Luiz Eduardo de Lima Melo
Institution: Universidade do Estado do Pará
Topic: Wood and Agarwood Research
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7213647149