Pine nut in the traditional diet of the kaingang from Paraná

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the relationship between the Kaingang people and Araucaria angustifolia and pine nuts, considering their cultural, ecological, and dietary aspects. The methodology employed is an integrative review of studies addressing the Kaingang people, their territory, food practices, and religious rituals. The analysis highlights the importance of pine nuts as a central element in traditional food and the construction of the Kaingang cultural identity, as well as its connection to their religious worldview, evidenced in the Kiki ritual, which involves connection with the dead and nature. The Kaingang, belonging to the southern Jê group, have a profound bond with nature and use natural resources sustainably, integrating practices of gathering and cultivating plants and animals. The research also examines the impacts of colonization, which resulted in the reduction of indigenous lands and the confinement of the Kaingang in 26 reservations. Despite these adversities, the Kaingang continue to preserve their cultural traditions, including pine nut gathering, which is essential not only for food but also for the expression of their cultural identity. The results indicate that the preservation of pine nuts and Araucaria angustifolia is fundamental for the continuity of cultural practices and food security for the Kaingang. The study suggests the need for public policies that promote the recognition and protection of this people's territorial and cultural rights, essential for their survival and well-being.