Predatory Economies - The Sanema and the Socialist State in Contemporary Amazonia

The Sanema people of Venezuela use predatory techniques such as trickery and manipulation to obtain resources from neighbors and the state, which is essential to their own activities and cosmology. Amy Penfield's ethnography, Predatory Economies, tells a new story of agency from an Indigenous perspective.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2023
Publisher: University of Texas Press

A comprehensive examination of the diverse modes of predation employed by and against the Sanema people of Venezuela reveals a profound interplay between their traditional cosmology, cultural practices, and contemporary experiences under the socialist Bolivarian regime and the immense oil wealth it has brought. While predation is often perceived as mere violence and plunder, for the Sanema, it encompasses a range of complex and multifaceted meanings. It involves enticement, seduction, and persuasion, suggesting both imminent threats and opportunities, as well as potential sanctuaries.

To gain a deeper understanding of this intricate relationship, anthropologist Amy Penfield dedicated two and a half years to immersing herself in Sanema communities, living alongside them, and learning from their ways of life. What she discovered was surprising: Sanema people are not merely passive victims of predation. Rather, they actively engage in predatory practices, employing techniques of trickery and manipulation in their hunting and shamanism activities, as well as in their interactions with neighbors and the state.

In her meticulously researched ethnography titled "Predatory Economies," Penfield goes beyond the conventional narratives of activism and resistance to present a fresh perspective on agency from an Indigenous standpoint. Through vivid storytelling and detailed analysis, she sheds light on the complex ways in which Sanema people navigate the challenges and complexities of their environment, employing predatory strategies to secure their livelihoods and assert their cultural identity.

One of the key insights of the book is that predation is not merely a one-way process. Rather, it involves reciprocal relationships and power dynamics. Sanema people use their predatory skills not only to obtain resources but also to establish and maintain social connections and alliances. They strategically manipulate their neighbors and the state to their advantage, leveraging their knowledge of the local terrain and cultural practices to secure resources and protect their interests.

However, the pursuit of predatory economies comes with its own set of challenges and ethical dilemmas. Sanema people must navigate a complex web of cultural norms, social hierarch.

In conclusion, "Predatory Economies" offers a groundbreaking exploration of the complex and multifaceted modes of predation employed by and against the Sanema people of Venezuela. Through Penfield's ethnographic research, the book sheds light on the ways in which Sanema people navigate the challenges of modernity, assert their cultural identity, and secure their livelihoods. It challenges prevailing narratives of activism and resistance and presents a fresh perspective on agency from an Indigenous perspective. By delving into the intricate web of reciprocal relationships and power dynamics, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of contemporary societies and the ways in which Indigenous communities adapt and thrive in the face of change.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477327074