The project will document the detailed methods of making, and associated knowledge, of traditional objects made by the Ye’kwana people in northern Brazil. Our focus is on basket-weaving, especially on the fabrication of the “designed basket” called waja tömenaato, and the construction of dugout canoes (kudiiyada). The project will document the techniques used by male and female knowledge holders.
We will take a holistic approach that investigates and documents traditional practices and knowledge integral to the fabrication and use of these important objects, such as ancient narratives (wätunnä), ritual chants (ädeemi and acchudi) relating to the object creation, formation and traditional designs, and prophylactic practices that are necessary during the fabrication process to protect the human community.
The primary goal is to document this threatened traditional knowledge and re-invigorate the Ye’kwana practice for future generations. For this reason, the project will be managed by Ye’kwana people, represented by their Association (SEDUUME), and will involve older knowledge holders and young Ye’kwana researchers from all communities in Brazil, with support from trained researchers. It will promote young Ye’kwana researchers, assisting to keep that knowledge alive.
Principal Investigator:
William Milliken
Collaborators:
Majoí Favero Gongora and Julio David Magalhães Rodrigues
Location of Research:
The Wacchannha and Fuduuwaadunnha communities, Roraima State, Brazil
Host Institution:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Top Banner Image: A journey along the Uraricoera River, Roraima, Brazil. Photo credit: Guilherme Gnipper Trevisan (2014).