Three Key Takeaways from Readings
Three things were interesting to observe from Indigenous people’s lives throughout the reading “The Huipil: An Everlasting, Indigenous Cultural Emblem” by Mimi Urizar Avila. Firstly, a variety of conclusions were drawn about the lives of indigenous people and their application to global society. As pointed out by Plotkin (1994), scientists draw completely different conclusions on the fundamental nature of humanity while studying the Panare and Yanomamo. The difference in tribes’ cultures and their approach to warfare also outlines the living habits and resources they consume.
Secondly, the active participation of Indigenous women in protests is also an interesting aspect of studying these tribes. As noted by Kellogg (2005), Latin American Indigenous women have a long history of questioning gender roles in their tribes and being excluded from local and national politics. This social group’s explicit exclusion and underrepresentation outline the fundamental human rights violation and the general attitude of male-dominated Latin American politics.
Lastly, the importance of the sun and moon is widely emphasized in all readings. Plotkin notes that Yanomamo was described as having a bloody nature due to the influence of the moon (1994). Similarly, indigenous people use the moon and sun as central in the composition (Avila, 2021). In this sense, these celestial bodies are central to the culture of different tribes.
Reflections on Weaving the Past Perspectives
I enjoyed reading “Weaving the Past,” specifically its emphasis on women’s activism in Latin America. The degree of political participation of this underrepresented group can be a role model for the global community of activists who are also questioning gender roles in modern society. In addition, it is essential to understand the contrary group, such as the female mayor of Canar province, who emphasized the traditions of her tribe with a positive outlook (Kellogg, 2005).
Integrating New Insights into Indigenous Knowledge
Integrating this information into the knowledge base stems from reintroducing women in indigenous tribes and redefining their roles in contemporary Latin American society. As most of the information on the role of women in indigenous tribes relates to their clothing, gathering, or raising functions, political activism is an entirely new dimension of studies. In this sense, reviewing their ideologies and the degree of radicalism they take in lobbying their interests is possible.
References
Avila, M.U. (2021). The Huipil: An everlasting, indigenous cultural emblem. Phalarope. Web.
Kellogg, S. (2005). Weaving the past: A history of Latin America’s indigenous women from the prehispanic period to the present. Oxford Publishing.
Plotkin, M. (1994). Tales of a shaman’s apprentice: An ethnobotanist searches for new medicines in the rain forest. Penguin Books.