FOOD TABOOS AT BUZIOS ISLAND (BRAZIL): THEIR SIGNIFICANCE AND !tELAnON TO FOLK MEDICINE

ABSTRAcr.~BUzios Island is a fishing community of about 44 families located off the coast of Sao Paulo State, Braziil. This study focuses on the food taboos of the islanders from Buzios, specifically on prohibitions in the consumption of certain species of fish and lizard. Interviews and observations on food habits were made from November 1986 to December 1987. Some fish are avoided only when persons are ill and others are recomme:nded for these cases. Among the generally avoided fish, moray and ray receive special attention. The reasons for these avoidances were investigated and it was observed that carnivorous fish, more than other fish, are avoided during illnesses. The toxicity of fishes might also explain some avoidances. Finally, medicinal uses of some species, such as rays and lizards, seem to explain some important dietary taboos: medicinal animals may be saved as a source of drugs.