MARKETS, HERBS AND MERCHANTS: THE COMMERCIALIZATION AND EXCHANGE OF EDIBLE HERBS IN THE TIANGUIS OF IXTLÁN DE JUÁREZ, OAXACA

Abstract

The markets and tianguis from Mexico are relevant spaces for the analysis of the exchange of the different plants, animals and fungi that the societies where they develop have incorporated as part of their relationship with nature. The present investigation was developed in the tianguis of Ixtlán de Juárez, which is located in the Sierra Norte region of the Oaxaca state. There are three central elements: the edible greens that are put into circulation, the merchants that make this process possible, and the mechanisms that are generated for their exchange. The market in that municipality was visited at least once a month, from the second semester of 2018 to the beginning of 2020.

The total market stalls, as well as the main commercial lines found, were documented and classified. Of the 43 that sell products from the field, surveys were applied to 21 that had some type of edible herbaceous plants, of which we documented 16. In addition, it was asked if they are produced or collected where they come from and availability in the year; as well as the name they receive in Zapotec, the main language. Also, a minimum profile of merchant was generated, establishing characteristics of gender, age, education and language; if they are their own sellers, or the market circuit they cover. It closes with a recount of the characteristics of the commercial exchange, or barter system.