Sonic Configurations in the Upper Amazon: Women's Songs of Power In Shuar, Achuar, and Kichwa Horticulture

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the forms of communication that through complex sonic configurations in permanent construction are established between human beings and spiritual beings that inhabit the hidden worlds in the Shuar, Achuar and Kichwa societies of the Napo in the High Amazon of Ecuador. Theoretical Framework: Analysis of the forms of listening that over time have been established to approach the musical manifestations of Amazonian societies, giving relevance to those that in recent decades have emerged from anthropology, ethnography and ethnomusicology to understand these audible worlds under the use of a symmetrical ethnographic method that values their own sound perceptions. For this purpose, the authors García (2015) and Seeger (2015) were used. Method: A bibliographical and documentary research was used through anthropological and ethnomusicological investigations regarding sound thoughts in the Upper Amazon to confront this information with data collected in the field with the use of ethnographic method. Results and Discussion: The most important finding of this research lies in the fact that female horticultural practices in these societies are only possible to understand them within the framework of a communication process between human and supernatural beings who inhabit cosmogonic spaces where the relationship between power and sound allows activating and giving effectiveness to sound expressions. Implications of the Research: Contribute to the understanding of the systems of musical thought of the High Amazon with the purpose of formulating policies for the safeguarding and placing in value of this important intangible cultural heritage. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the understanding of musical thought systems in the Upper Amazon where musical manifestations have a close relationship with mythologies and cosmogonies. Here lies its originality and value, at the same time that it opens new perspectives of discussion for the study of Amazonian music.