Cultural aspects of meliponiculture

Abstract

Some ancient cultures from Central and South American had close contact with stingless bees. Their representation in decorations, drawings and sculptures is common in various indigenous groups, as part of its cosmology and relationship to the world. This group of social insects also represents an important source of food resources and income (honey, wax, resin, larvae and pollen). The use of these bees and their products as sources of food and income and in the cultural and religious expression are reviewed in this chapter, mainly regarding the Brazilian culture.