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Tarahumar fish stupefaction plants

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Abstract

Fish stupefaction is practised throughout the year among the Tarahumar of Western Chihuahua, Mexico, but is especially important between March and June, when food reserves are low. In the areas occupied by these people, plants from 13 different families of flowering plants provide either piscicidal or stupefaction properties. The method of use, stupefying principle, parts employed, and potency of the individual plants are quite variable.

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Grateful acknowledgment is made to David Brambila, S.J., of Norogachi, who shared generously his knowledge of Tarahumar material culture.

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Pennington, C.W. Tarahumar fish stupefaction plants. Econ Bot 12, 95–102 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02863133

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