ENCHANTMENT EXPERIENCES AND THE RELATION BETWEEN THE MIRAÑA OF CUIÚ-CUIÚ AND THE PINK RIVER DOLPHIN (<i>Inia geoffrensis</i>)

Abstract

This work seeks further clarification on the relationship between the Mirana of the Cuiu-Cuiu Indigenous Land, and its surroundings, and the pink river dolphin ( Inia geoffrensis ), regionally known as boto. We demonstrate, through the use of ethnographic methods and the theory of Amerindian Perspectivism, how this indigenous group from the medio Solimoes relates to the pink river dolphin and how their cosmology is linked to the predation practices, of this animal, used as bait for the capture of the picaratinga catfish ( Calophysus macropterus ). We seek to identify the reasons that lead fishermen to kill, or not to kill, botos. Demonstrating the unique ideas of the Mirana about the pink river dolphin, we intend to call attention to the importance of understanding and valuing the Amazonian cosmologies in the planning and execution of conservation initiatives in the region.