O corpo emana: elementos da plástica corporal xavante

Abstract

The Xavante s corporal plastic, symbolic expression impregnated with communicating codes constitutes the way for the individual to socialize as a member of its community. Its shape is related to the classification of he individual from its lineage, social group, class and age category, as well as aesthetics content, ethic, moral and political of that society, materializing a way of thinking and feeling, sensitive model that manifests the dual nature of that culture. A society where life and thoughts are permeated by a dual principle, that organizes its perception of the world as being permanently shared in opposite and complementary halves. From the nature of theirs specific aesthetics indicators, the dissertation points the symbolic game and de magical character of those practices as revealers of aspects of the Xavante s cosmology. The body painting, the ceremonial s ornaments and the ritual performance are key-elements for the understanding of the tension between local and global, tradition and innovation, creativity and norm, revealing the place of the Xavante s art in the contemporary time.