Ethnomycology

Ethnomycology is the scientific study of the historical and cultural relationships between people and fungi, especially mushrooms. It explores how different societies identify, use, and understand fungi for purposes like food, medicine, religious rituals, or spiritual experiences. This field combines mycology (the study of fungi) with anthropology, ethnobotany, and history to reveal how fungi influence human culture and practices across diverse communities worldwide. It helps us appreciate the cultural significance of mushrooms and their role beyond biological aspects, emphasizing their importance in human societies throughout history.