The part of which one is part. Notes on individuation and divinization (starting with the Guarani)

Authors

  • Valéria Macedo Universidade Federal de São Paulo
  • Renato Sztutman Universidade de São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9133.v23i23p287-302

Keywords:

Individuation, Divinization, Guarani Mbya, Intensive kinship, Afroindigenous, Comparison.

Abstract

Inspired by the problem of “making the saint” in African-Brazilian religions, this
article aims to discuss the relationship between processes of individuation and divinization among the Guarani Mbya. We selected Guarani practices of nomination as our focus. These practices, developed under the mediation of shamans, consist in connecting a child (but also an adult) with divine powers distributed by different regions of the cosmos. In order to conceptualize this connection in Guarani terms — which brings us closer to an idea of “intensive kinship” – we ask who these gods/deities are for them after all (Nhanderu and Nhandexy kuery). Furthermore, this point is connected to a classic theme of Guarani studies: the concept of nhe’ẽ, “soul-word” or “affection-language.”

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Published

2014-12-31

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 23 (2014)

Section

Special Section

License

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How to Cite

Macedo, V., & Sztutman, R. (2014). The part of which one is part. Notes on individuation and divinization (starting with the Guarani). Cadernos De Campo (São Paulo, 1991), 23(23), 287-302. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9133.v23i23p287-302