Lecture: Engaging Science, the Humanities, and Indigenous Communities to Preserve Endangered Knowledge from the Amazon Forest

A pedido do prof. Thiago S. Puglieri, divulgamos a palestra:

Engaging Science, the Humanities, and Indigenous Communities to Preserve Endangered Knowledge from the Amazon Forest

Thiago S. Puglieri, Assistant Professor, University of California, Los Angeles

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

3:00 PM PST

Zoom Webinar Link

Passcode: 804070
Webinar ID: 939 0183 7927

This presentation focuses on how collaborative research between science, the humanities, and Indigenous communities can contribute to the preservation of endangered knowledge from the Amazon Forest. Focusing on our research about traditional Tikuna colorants, particularly the recently studied “Tikuna blue,” it explores how scientific analysis of museum collections can address art historical questions and what are some of the limitations of usual approaches in these kinds of investigations. The ethical considerations we have proposed for the scientific investigation of Indigenous sacred and ceremonial items are also presented, as well as methods commonly used for community engagement. Through a community-engaged research case, the presentation also exemplifies how combining local needs and expertise can foster mutual benefits. This approach can improve the social impacts of scientific research, promote intercultural education, preserve and transmit traditional knowledge, and increase the access to cultural materials. Finally, this presentation reflects on open questions within the ongoing project.

Thiago Sevilhano Puglieri, 
Assistant ProfessorUCLA – University of California, Los Angeles

Department of Art History

UCLA/Getty Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage
UCLA Latin American Institute

UCLA Center for Brazilian Studies

UCLA Center for 17th- & 18th-Century Studies

Photo: Tururi samples colored with plant-based paints prepared by the Tikuna people.