Non-Humans in Amerindian South America: Ethnographies of Indigenous Cosmologies, Rituals and Songs

This volume provides new insights into the indigenous constitutions of humanity, personhood, and environment in South American highlands and lowlands, exploring the conditions and effects of unequally ranked life forms, resource extraction, migration, and modernity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Drawing on extensive fieldwork from a wide range of Amerindian societies whose lives and worlds are undergoing transformative processes, adaptations, and deteriorations, this volume provides fresh insights into the indigenous constitutions of humanity, personhood, and environment that are characteristic of the South American highlands and lowlands. The resulting ethnographies, which depict non-human entities emerging in ritual, oral tradition, cosmology, shamanism, and music, explore the conditions and effects of unequally ranked life forms, increased resource extraction, ongoing migration to urban centers, and the (often) forced incorporation of contemporary expressions of modernity into indigenous societies.

Introduction:
The South American highlands and lowlands are home to a rich diversity of indigenous societies, each with its unique cultural practices, beliefs, and ways of life. These societies have been shaped by centuries of contact with European colonizers, as well as by internal processes of transformation and adaptation. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the indigenous constitutions of humanity, personhood, and environment in these regions. This volume aims to contribute to this understanding by presenting new insights based on extensive fieldwork from diverse Amerindian societies.

The Indigenous Constitutions of Humanity, Personhood, and Environment:
The indigenous constitutions of humanity, personhood, and environment in the South American highlands and lowlands are characterized by a complex interplay of cultural, social, and ecological factors. These constitutions are shaped by the historical legacies of colonialism, as well as by the ongoing struggles of indigenous peoples for their rights and self-determination. One of the key insights of this volume is that indigenous societies are not monolithic or homogenous. Rather, they are composed of a wide range of communities, each with its own distinct cultural practices, beliefs, and ways of life. These communities are often organized into complex social structures, with different levels of power and authority distributed among different groups.

Another important insight is that indigenous societies are deeply connected to their natural environments. They view the earth, the sky, the water, and the plants and animals as sacred and interconnected, and they rely on these resources for their survival and well-being. This connection to the environment is reflected in the indigenous constitutions of humanity, personhood, and environment. For example, many indigenous communities prioritize the well-being of the community over the individual, and they believe that the health of the environment is essential for the health of the community.

In addition to these insights, this volume also explores the effects of globalization, modernization, and development on indigenous societies. These processes have led to increased extraction of resources, environmental degradation, and the displacement of indigenous peoples from their traditional lands. However, indigenous communities have also responded to these challenges by developing innovative strategies for adaptation and resilience. For example, many indigenous communities have turned to traditional practices and knowledge to protect their natural resources and promote sustainable development.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume offers new insights into the indigenous constitutions of humanity, personhood, and environment that are characteristic of the South American highlands and lowlands. By drawing on extensive fieldwork from diverse Amerindian societies, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex processes of transformation, adaptation, and deterioration that these societies are undergoing. The resulting ethnographies offer valuable insights into the conditions and effects of unequally ranked life forms, increased resource extraction, ongoing migration to urban centers, and the (often) forced incorporation of contemporary expressions of modernity into indigenous societies. As we continue to navigate the challenges of globalization and development, it is essential to recognize and respect the indigenous constitutions of humanity, personhood, and environment that are so deeply ingrained in these societies.

ISBN-13: 9781800734456