Agricultural Transformations in Kraho Society

Abstract

This study aims to address the problems and conflicts occurring in the high Tarauacá region of the state of Acre, mainly the relationship between the "isolated Indians" and other social actors in the region: indians traditionally related to the national society (Kaxinawá), populations living along the river bank (ex rubber-tappers ) and FUNAI agents. The study will focus on the latter's representations and classificatory practices about themselves and the "isolated" in particular, as well as their representations about the territory and the the way they interact with the environment. The project will also focus on the actions and strategies of those groups and the way they articulate themselves with the national society (mainly the Kaxinawá, the ex rubber-tappers and FUNAI agents), how they interact with the "isolated" and the latter's relationship with their neighbors. The conflicting territorialities that arise among the frontier populations in the region will be addressed, as well as the role of territoriality in their strategies. The ethnographic configurations identified in the region will be studied in the context of the articulation between the state, the territory and non-territorial strategies.The study will be based on the author's experience as a FUNAI agent (2005-2006) in the Surveillance Outpost of Foz do Douro (High Tarauacá Indian Land), and further field work to be conducted in the region.