O nawê (rapé) entre os Yawanawa: Xamanismo e sociopolítica

Abstract

The present work on the Yawanawa people aims to present a general description, even if abbreviated, of the use of snuff, distinguishing some relevant aspects on three main fronts: The particular historicity of the group, internal shamanism, and its socio-political implications in the relationship with urban neo shamanism. Yawanawa shamanism, can be characterized mainly, by the use of entheogen substances, with emphasis on snuff, used as an element that facilitates contact with the spirits, without which the performance of ritual ceremonies would not be conceived. Snuff is of vital importance in the formation of the shaman's body and is also used in the construction of networks of external relationships, fulfilling an important internal role in maintaining the Yawanawa tradition. Based on the data collected and demonstrated in the wake of these three basic axes, we draw a parallel between the internal and external relationships of the group, which allow us to observe the importance of using snuff in ritual actions, and its peculiarities in the agency of construction maintenance and expansion of contemporary networks, in the scenario of urban shamanism. The field research started from empirical experiences carried out in the broad urban context, and later funneled into investigations focused on a central group in the Yawarani village. This same dynamic was used in the construction of the dissertation, driven from the generic contextual amplitude, to the specific punctuality of the phenomenon examined. The same process serves as preparation for analyzes with more sensitive potential, which start from the materiality of the broad researched object, to penetrate subjectivity, the deep layers of native metaphysics. Justify the use of snuff. This same dynamic was used in the construction of the dissertation, moving from the generic contextual amplitude to the specific punctuality of the phenomenon examined. The same process serves as preparation for analyzes with more sensitive potential, which start from the materiality of the broad researched object, to penetrate subjectivity, the deep layers of native metaphysics. This mechanism in the body of the text, expanding and centralizing the view, also allows us to work with aspects of the historical and mythological past to understand some present actions, a mechanism used by natives to justify the use of snuff. Keywords: Yawanawa rapé. Shamanism. Socio-political.