Transformative Identities: Body painting in Indigenous Amazonian cosmologies
Publication information:
Abstract
This presentation examines the deep connection between art and spirituality among Indigenous Amazonian groups, focusing on body painting. For these communities, art is transformative, allowing individuals to embody knowledge and connect with nature, ancestors, and spiritual forces. Through body painting, they engage in processes of becoming, aligning with perspectivist ideas that beings shift identities by adopting other perspectives, such as animals or spirits. This practice fosters a spiritual and ontological connection, showing the central role of body painting in both sacred and everyday Indigenous life.
Presenter Biography
Dr. Gebara is a lawyer and cultural anthropologist with over a decade of experience working with Amazonian communities. Her research focuses on the decolonial intersection of Indigenous and scientific knowledge, preserving biodiversity and cosmologies. She collaborates with the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute to protect Indigenous rights and promote ethical use of traditional knowledge.