Indigenous technology and material culture: a view of information science

• Grant number: 11/18686-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2011
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Information Science - Library and Information Science
• Principal Investigator: Maria Cristina Comunian Ferraz
• Grantee: Blanca Gonzalez
• Host Institution: Centro de Educação e Ciências Humanas (CECH). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this project is to investigate what is meant by technology and material culture of indigenous peoples in Brazil. This project aims to adopt a methodological course with distinct steps: a literature review, documental research culminating in the content analysis. These steps will auxiliar the definition of categories for the preparation of a guide of information sources on indigenous technology and material culture, always making use of information sources with free access. Since ancient times man makes use of information. It is not restricted to any culture, much less comes down to a simple equation, since each human group has developed a way to express themselves and communicate with the world in which it belongs. The information and the technology are not unique products of the society of people called "developed". Even oldest communities were already using some type of technology to solve their problems and make your life easier. It should be noted that the great challenge and originality of this work resides in the collection and organization of information on indigenous technologies (utilitarian objects, ornamental and ritual) without compromising the analysis of the symbolic universe where they are inserted. (AU)