In a world of many bodies: a study of objects and garments among the Wajãpi (Amapá, Brazil)

Author(s)

Camila Galan de Paula

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2015-11-12

Examining board members

Dominique Tilkin Gallois; Joana Miller; Beatriz Perrone Moisés

• Advisor: Dominique Tilkin Gallois

Abstract

This research addresses the acquisition and exchange of industrial goods by Indigenous peoples. Fieldwork was conducted among the Wajãpi (speakers of a Tupi-Guaranian language), in the state of Amapá (Brazil). The ethnographic enquiry lead to two investigative paths. The first chapter of this thesis researches the Wajãpi modes of appraising objects, as well as the criteria used by this people to judge things as good-beautiful (ikatuwa) or bad-ugly (nikatui). The separation of industrialized objects and those manufactured in Indigenous villages does not apply to Wajãpi modes of evaluation. Discussions on evaluation criteria of objects center on: (i) some of the objects sensible qualities; (ii) the relation between an object, its productive process, its producer and the raw material from which it is made; (iii) the distinction between original goods and imported goods, regarding products purchased in cities; (iv) the ease of use of certain things and techniques. The second chapter investigates clothing, focusing on Wajãpi regards to the use of garments acquired in cities and on Wajãpi comparisons between these clothes and other elements of body fabrication urucu paint, genipapo paint, fragrant resins paint, red loincloths and skirts, glass beads. Discussing with other anthropologists analyses, Wajãpi considerations on the subject of clothing are approached in some different ways. I follow their comparisons between the use of clothes and of body paint in the role of mediating Wajãpi relations with other peoples supernaturals in the division of the naturalism. I discuss the link between the use of certain clothes and the fabrication of adequate and beautiful bodies, focusing on the ideas of combinar (to harmonize, to match) and vergonha (shyness, reserve). The ideas of imitation (waã) and acostumar-se (-jipokuwa) [to accustom someone to] are also investigated. The imitation of non-Indigenous manners and the custom of using of their garments is described in regard to other imitation practices performed by Wajãpi people. Finally, I outline a first understanding of how the relations between leaders and followers compels Wajãpi people to seek certain goods. To this purpose, I discuss the ideas of fazer preconceito (to make prejudice), desigualdade (inequality), ciúme (jealousy), inveja (envy). Corporality and body fabrication are topics which pervades this thesis. Objects have bodies, their parts names parallel the parts of Wajãpi bodies and bodies of other peoples animals and plants, in the naturalistic division. Following other authors, I present data that leads to question the division between people and things, as an aftermath of investigating body fabrication the making of objects and of Wajãpi people. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/23868-3 - Indigenous appropriations of industrialized goods
• Grantee: Camila Galan de Paula
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master