Drawing and children's identity among indigenous populations in Mexico and central-western Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this article is to illustrate some fundamental aspects identified in the Brazilian and Mexican indigenous cultures and social organizations, to begin a brief exposition of the most significant aspects of the culture and social organization of each chosen group and finally, a brief conclusion showing the similarities and differences between the referred groups of Brazil and Mexico, and to identify some variables that have to do with the child identity that can be taken up again in the future to promote the development of the indigenous child. Data collected in research in western Brazil are presented, with child populations, Bororo, Guaraní and Kadiwéu from central-western Brazil and three experiences in Mexico, one with the Mayo community, in the north of Mexico, and two in the south with the Tzosil and Nahuatl. Participatory observations, interviews with families and drawings by children were carried out, which revealed similarities and differences between the various ethnic groups in the formation of their ethnic identity. In central-western Brazil, it was possible to notice a greater homogeneity, an integration among the Kadiwéu, and conflicts in the construction of the Guarani identity and among the Bororo. Among the Mayo and Tzotsil people of Mexico, the rituals practiced abound in syncretism: on the one hand there is the Catholic religion and on the other there is the worship of nature and the presence of both parts during prayer, song, dance, clothing, etc. During the observations in the different communities and the analysis of children's drawings, the great influence, from the first years of life, of the culture of the ethnic group and/or that of the non-Indian in the formation of identity, in social representations, etc., became evident, often generating conflicts.