Vozes e computadores: gerações de narradores, exemplos indígenas na Amazônia

Abstract

This article tries to outline the richness of the oral tradition of more than ten different indigenous tribes throughout the Amazon region, among which the author has been researching and working in social projects from 1978 until the present day. Over forty shamans and other narrators belonging to the Suruí Paiter, Cinta Larga, Tupari, Macurap, Aruá, Ajuru, Gavião-Ikolen, Zoró, Kampé, Arikapu, Asurini do Trocará, Djeoromiti and other tribes have, throughout these years, recorded myths and histories dealing with all aspects of life, afterlife, and the creation of the world. After being translated into Portuguese by the author, the recorded and digitalized material was given back to the indigenous peoples. The author has given continuity to her work by heading a teacher training program carried out by t e IAMÁ (Institute for Anthropology and Environment) from 1987 till 1997, and by collaborating with several other educational projects. She has published seven books of indigenous tales in Portuguese, in co-authorship with native narrators. Currently some of the tribes are using the material to work on bilingual books and CDs, supported in their work by indigenous organizations. The article gives examples of myths and their origins, elaborating the underlying methodology.