Contemporary Guarani Shamanisms: “Traditional Medicine” and Discourses of Native Identity in Brazil

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive substance traditionally associated with Amazonian shamanism, has spread globally over the past two decades. This paper examines its adoption by the Guarani Indians on Brazil's southern coast, arguing that this process is tied to the growing identity politics of Brazilian indigenous peoples and public policies promoting cultural diversity. In the case analyzed, the adoption of ayahuasca is linked to ongoing cultural revitalization in shamanism, health, and education, as well as the specific desires and actions of a leading family in one Guarani village.

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Abstract

The psychoactive substance known as ayahuasca has long been identified with Amazonian shamanism and traditional medicine. Over the last two decades its use has spread outside this region to urban populations in different parts of the world. This paper examines the adoption of the ritual use of the beverage by the Guarani Indians along the southern coast of Brazil. We argue that this process is related to the growing politics of identity of Brazilian indigenous peoples as well as to public policies that promote cultural diversity. In the case analyzed here, the adoption of ayahuasca is articulated with an ongoing cultural revitalization in activities related to shamanism, health and education and with the specific desires and actions of the leading family in one Guarani village.