Dream and alterity among the Guarani

Abstract

This project proposes an analytic bibliographic review of studies about Guarani groups, focusing on the native conceptions of dream. In spite of being a recurring topic on the literature, its mentions are mostly sparse and the analyses usually lack depth. Little effort of organization on this topic has been made until now. Based on interpretations of the oneiric experience elaborated on other ethnographic areas of South American Lowlands, the initial hypothesis of this project is that a better comprehension of what dreaming is for the Guarani is key to understand their relations with alterity - divinities, spirits, dead people, animals, among others - and their practices of knowledge. Therefore, this effort of synthesis involves not only the comparison of literature about various Guarani subgroups, but also a debate with Americanist ethnology centered on the question of the relations of alterity. (AU)