Description
Book Synopsis The Arakmbut are an indigenous people who live in the Madre de Dios region of thesoutheastern Peruvian rain forest. Since their first encounters with missionaries in the 1950s,they have shown resilience and a determination to affirm their identity in the face of many difficulties. During the last fifteen years, Arakmbut survival has been under threat from a goldrush that has attracted hundreds of colonists onto their territories. This trilogy of books traces the ways in which the Arakmbut overcome the dangers that surround them: their mythology and cultural strength; their social flexibility; and their capacity to incorporate non-indigenous concepts and activities into their defence strategies. Each area is punctuated by the constant presence of the invisible spirit, which provides a seamless theme connecting the books to each other.
Following the Arakmbuts' recommendation, the author uses their three greatest myths to introduce social, cultural and historical aspects of their lives. He ends with a discussion of the relationship between myth and history showing how the Arakmbut recreate their myths at the dramatic moments of their history.
Buy all three volumes for 20% discount
Trade Review "... splendid and innovative ethnography ... highly topical, well written, intellectually highly interesting, and often avant-garde ... sophisticated and honest discussions ..." · Joanna Overing, London School of Economics
Table of Contents List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Maps
General Preface
Preface
Introduction: The Harakmbut
PART I
Preface: Myth and Relativity
Chapter 1. Death and Salvation: The Story of Wanamey
Chapter 2. Gender: Social and Cosmological Exchange
Chapter 3. Time through Space: House and Community
Chapter 4. Descent of Man and Exchange of Women
PART II
Preface: Nature and Potentiality
Chapter 5. The Defeat of Death: The Story of Marinke
Chapter 6. Keeping Body and Soul Together
Chapter 7. Sickness and Death
Chapter 8. Being Invisible: The Spirits
PART III
Preface: History and Creativity
Chapter 9. Aiwe and the Papa
Chapter 10. The Great War - The Rubber Boom
Chapter 11. Christian Invasion
Chapter 12. The Arakmbut Community and the Gold Rush
Conclusion
Orthography
Glossary of main Arakmbut Words used in Text
Bibliography
Index
