The sign of Kanaimà, the space of Guayana and the demonology of development
This essay explores the way in which shamanic complex of kanaimà becomes a central representation of the savage in both colonial and national cultures of north-eastern South America. Together with the cannibal sign, kanaimà is used to construct a vision of Satanic Majesty in Amazonia. This vision of...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | fra |
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Université Paris 3
2003-07-01
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| Series: | Cahiers des Amériques Latines |
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| Online Access: | http://journals.openedition.org/cal/7271 |
| Summary: | This essay explores the way in which shamanic complex of kanaimà becomes a central representation of the savage in both colonial and national cultures of north-eastern South America. Together with the cannibal sign, kanaimà is used to construct a vision of Satanic Majesty in Amazonia. This vision of a Satanic Majesty holding sway over indigenous cultures is used in turn to produce a Demonology of Development. This Demonology pictures tradition and ritual, as nothing but superstition and primitiveness, serving the ghoulish and violent desires emanating from this Satanic Majesty, who is therefore the hidden enemy of Development and Progress. This idea of Development, in western discourse, alludes to forms of both material and spiritual redemption and advancement, and is understood here as part of the colonial and national conquest and incorporation of indigenous communities under the power of the state and government. |
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| ISSN: | 1141-7161 2268-4247 |