The Fall of the Sky: teachings of the Yanomami cosmoecology

Abstract

In this article, we seek to present the results of a scientific initiation research, which studied the teachings that the cosmoecology of the Yanomami could bring in the contemporary context of the Anthropocene, the current denomination of the new geological era whose anthropic action has a planetary impact. It seeks to highlight, in Yanomami cosmology, which aspects refer to the understanding of its relationship with the categories humanity/world, with emphasis on the notion of extended humanity and plural worlds. Cosmoecology is configured in the relationship between beings and the environment, based on the interpretation of the cosmological narrative. Next, a counter-anthropology is presented, in the considerations of the leader and shaman Davi Kopenawa about the “commodity people”. Also in this topic, the polysemy of the term matihi in the Yanomami culture is discussed, which ranges from objects of exchange, merchandise, to ritualistic objects and, finally, also provide the key to understanding the principle of exchanges and sociality of this people, with emphasis on in detachment and generosity. The third and final topic presents the Yanomami eschatological myth that speaks of the fall of the sky, also interpreting it as a warning against the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and environmental degradation caused by deforestation for various purposes and illegal mining, causing irreversible damage to health of the Yanomami and the balance of this immense biome. Finally, we seek to extract lessons from each aspect discussed, such as possibilities and openings to other ways of being and living on the common planet called Earth, with a view to preserving and caring for all forms of existence.