Music from the Forest: on 'culture' among the Xokleng

Abstract

This text reflects on some of the meanings denoted by forest music in the Xokleng universe, focusing in particular on the dimensions of ‘culture,’ politics and mythic time. With this aim in mind, the text briefly describes some of the native conceptions of both this music and the rituals during which it is performed. The progressive transformation enabled by the mythic episode of leaving the forest and the contemporary appropriations of its indexes (appropriations which the group’s ethics and aesthetics hold to be adequate) form the empirical basis for the way in which this music is perceived by the indigenous people concerned.

Xokleng; Xokleng music; “Culture”; Indian Day