Mitos indígenas: o desvendar dos símbolos através do estudo comparativo

Abstract

Myths constitute a significant part of the history of indigenous tribes, in which is recorded much knowledge and experience that these peoples have managed to gather about man and his environment. The present work is a contribution to the unveiling of mythological symbols, restricted to an analysis of the "Myth of the Shaman", from the Xikrin tribe - one of the branches of the great Caiapo tribe, located near Serra dos Carajás. It was based on a comparative study of the works of Joseph Campbell and Mircea Eliade about the mythological symbols of different peoples, and on the examination of the Xikrin myths narrated in the work of Lux Vidal. From this study, it was possible to better understand the mentality of these people, the values and motors for them to live and reproduce their culture the way they do. Beyond the descriptive knowledge of practices and customs, one has here the opportunity to understand why these practices and customs exist. Thus, to unveil these symbols is to unveil the motivations of this people, instrumental knowledge that can be of great value in intermediation with Indians, especially in current times, when social, economic and political needs, more than ever, make contact with Indians a diplomatic requirement.