The Life of Doña Oscarina: A Story of Knowledge and Tradition
Before the clay could be extracted from the earth, permission had to be asked. 'Grandmother, are you there?' the ceramicist would ask. 'I am your granddaughter. I have come to find you.' The words were directed to Di'i Mahso, Grandmother Clay, who taught women to find the right material and create the first kitchen vessels. Oscarina Caldas Azevedo knew these words and the deep ecological obligations behind them.
A master ceramicist from the Desana people, farmer and pioneering indigenous environmental researcher, Azevedo passed away on July 4 in her native community of Cunuri, in the Brazilian Amazon. Known as Doña Oscarina, her life's work proved that traditional Amazonian cosmology, women's agricultural knowledge, and modern climate science were inseparable.
The Legacy of Doña Oscarina: Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability
Born in 1967 in Santa Ana do Médio Tiquié, in the upper Rio Negro region, in the state of Amazonas, she grew up in Cunuri, on the banks of the Tiquié River - a landscape where communities are connected by river routes, family ties, and shared languages. She entered the local school at the age of five. At 13, she moved to the Salesian missionary school in Pari Cachoeira. During a holiday two years later, she met Rafael Azevedo. They were advised to get married and spent more than four decades together.
Her home became a place of agriculture, research, ceremony, and instruction. Oscarina cultivated cassava, medicinal plants, and other crops. She made ceramics and taught younger women to find and prepare the clay, shape vessels, and burn them. Rafael carried the knowledge of ritual practice. Their work was shared closely.
The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainability
The legacy of Doña Oscarina is a living example of the importance of indigenous knowledge for sustainability. Her work as a ceramicist and farmer not only preserved the tradition of her people but also demonstrated the interconnection between Amazonian cosmology and modern climate science. This highlights the need to value and protect indigenous knowledge, not only as a matter of human rights but also as a strategy to address global environmental challenges.
The Mechanism behind Doña Oscarina's Ecological Knowledge
Doña Oscarina's ecological knowledge was deeply rooted in Amazonian cosmology. The belief in the existence of a 'Grandmother Clay' who teaches women to find the right material and create kitchen vessels reflects a profound understanding of the interconnection between humans and the environment. This knowledge is based on a holistic approach, which considers the relationship between people, land, water, and living beings as a complex and interdependent web.
Broad Context: The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge in the Amazon
The Amazon is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, and indigenous knowledge plays a fundamental role in its conservation. The region is home to over 400 indigenous groups, each with their own language, culture, and tradition. Indigenous knowledge in the Amazon is not only a matter of cultural preservation but also a strategy for protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainability.
What Happens Next: Challenges and Opportunities
The death of Doña Oscarina leaves a void in the indigenous community and the struggle for sustainability. However, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of indigenous and environmental leaders. The challenge now is to protect and value indigenous knowledge, ensuring that indigenous communities have a voice and participation in the decisions that affect their territories and ways of life.
Conclusion: Doña Oscarina's Legacy and the Future of Sustainability
The legacy of Doña Oscarina is a powerful reminder of the importance of indigenous knowledge for sustainability. Her work as a ceramicist, farmer, and environmental researcher demonstrates the interconnection between Amazonian cosmology and modern climate science. As we face global environmental challenges, it is essential to value and protect indigenous knowledge, ensuring that indigenous communities have a voice and participation in the decisions that affect their territories and ways of life.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published in Mongabay.