A Genealogy of the Ayahuasca Cultural Heritage Registration Process in Brazil
Beatriz Caiuby Labate, Glauber Loures de Assis
February 27, 2023 DOI: 10.4324/9780429001161-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Ethnic group Latin americans Process computing Indigenous Perspective graphical Cultural heritage management Anthropology Archaeology Law Visual arts Ecology |
| Key points | Argues that the cultural heritage registration process for ayahuasca in Brazil involves complex interactions among diverse groups, with indigenous participation adding further complexity. |
Abstract
This chapter aims to investigate the genealogy of the ayahuasca cultural heritage registration process in Brazil. Through a historical and comparative perspective, we identify the main players involved, as well as the conflicts, disputes, and alliances that form this scenario. First, we describe briefly the cultural heritage registration process of various psychoactive plants in Latin America. Then, we critically analyze the positioning of several ayahuasca groups and the discussions about the cultural heritage registration process of the religious use of ayahuasca in Brazil. Finally, we examine the entrance of the indigenous ethnic groups in the public debate and how this has made the process more complex. Beyond its technical and political challenges, we will see that the discussion about the process of cultural heritage registration and religious practices raises interesting debates about tradition, culture, environment, and ethnicity.