Good life and property: the problem of differentiation among the Xikrin-Mebengokre (Kayapo)

The article reflects on property and wellbeing among the Xikrin-mebengokre (Kayapo) Indians. It argues that these notions must be articulated with a wider problem in Indigenous philosophy and existence: differentiation. It proposes that one of the definitions of well-being in the Mebengokre social w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mana (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Brazil), 2014-04, Vol.20 (1), p.95-124
Main Author: GORDON, Cesar
Format: Article
Language:Portuguese
Subjects:
Crises
Existence
Indigenous Populations
Rituals
Well Being
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Summary:The article reflects on property and wellbeing among the Xikrin-mebengokre (Kayapo) Indians. It argues that these notions must be articulated with a wider problem in Indigenous philosophy and existence: differentiation. It proposes that one of the definitions of well-being in the Mebengokre social world is the maintenance, in all levels, of a certain coefficient of difference. Difference, in turn, is linked to the notion of property (particularly ceremonial property), since the ritual system is a basic, collective mechanism of differentiation. The establishment of a totemic-type system of dividing property served to avoid crises of indifferentiation, thereby ensuring well-being. It is suggested that the Mebengokre ritual system underwent important historical changes that have shifted a totemic-type differentiation towards a hierarchical-type differentiation, within which rivalries can emerge both in the heart of communities and between them. Adapted from the source document.
ISSN:0104-9313
DOI:10.1590/S0104-93132014000100004