Melhorando pessoas: processos de aprendizagens entre os gavião Pyhcop Catiji

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the learning processes of the Gavião/Pyhcop Catiji people. Indigenous community of the Macro-Jê linguistic trunk, of the Timbira language and culture, residing in the municipality of Amarante do Maranhão, in the Governador Indigenous Land. In order to support discussions about the learning processes themselves, I use the analytical proposals of Fredrik Barth and Tim Ingold - knowledge transmission and ecology of life. For the research, we chose ethnography as a method supported by direct observation, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the research emphasis fell on interviews, so we replaced field research during the pandemic with face-to-face interviews and via WhatsApp messaging app. Anchored in the native terms manpex and ahimpex, the research started from the conception of how to learn among the Gavião: the first term designates the form of learning based on the transmission of knowledge via orality, always performed by an elder, who transmits it to the younger generations , thus making the maintenance and circulation of knowledge. The second term is based on the learning processes of know-how, experience through senses and perceptions. I understand that these two ways of learning are intertwined and I demonstrate how becoming Gavião involves the transmission of knowledge - from the memory and narrative of the elderly - and through experimentation through learning contexts. These learnings are experienced in the most varied spaces of the village - including the school - experiencing a world where they create and recreate their skills, so that these two ways of learning coexist "improving people".