Epistemologia do lugar: um olhar sociogeográfico sobre a comunidade Pataxó em Carmésia

Abstract

The interaction between humans and Places, characterized by the assignment of meanings, perceptions, and bonds, both emotional and neutral, emerges as a pivotal field of study in contemporary Geography. This inherently symbolic dynamic, interwoven with culture, directly influences identities, ways of life, traditions, values, and sociocultural structures. The present research aims to explore, through a sociogeographical lens, the relationship between individuals and their lived spaces, intending to unveil the formation and constitutive elements of Places, promoting an interdisciplinary dialogue among Geography, Sociology, and Anthropology. Drawing inspiration from Darcy Ribeiro's analysis of the complex relations between indigenous communities and the hegemonic Brazilian society, this study delves into the transformations prompted by multiculturalism. Specifically, it investigates the increased visibility and protagonism of indigenous peoples, questioning whether such changes have resulted in improvements in the daily relations between indigenous communities and the society sharing the same space. Focusing on the Pataxó community and the society of Carmésia/MG, an ethnogeographical approach is adopted, allowing for the analysis of the culturally mediated interaction between these groups. The study aims to deepen the understanding of the "Epistemology of Place," a concept that explores the subjectivity in constructing knowledge about lived spaces, contrasting perceptions between culturally distinct communities. The findings reveal the complexity of the Pataxós' situation in Carmésia, marked by an ambiguity that reflects both the instrumentality in relations and the (re)affirmation of an ethnic identity in the constitution of Place. The analysis highlights the importance of villages for indigenous identity, serving as anchoring points for cultural and spatial reaffirmation. This study contributes to the debate in Humanistic and Cultural Geographies, enhancing understanding of perception, relationship, and coexistence between Brazilian indigenous communities and contemporary society. Moreover, it provides theoretical and methodological support for future research focused on the constitution of Places, emphasizing the relevance of the sociogeographical perspective in analyzing spatial and cultural dynamics.