Published on
8 July 2024

The Macuxi Indigenous people live on the Raposa Serra do Sol reserve in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, along with other Indigenous communities. Despite being the largest Indigenous territory in Brazil, this area and its peoples face significant challenges, including limited access to education and healthcare, illegal mining, and deforestation, all of which threaten the home, the lives and the ancestral heritage of the Macuxi people.



This preoccupying situation spurred the women and leaders of the Macuxi community to initiate a cultural preservation project focused on Indigenous craftsmanship, such as pottery and basketweaving. With support from the Consolata Missionaries in Brazil and the Roncalli Foundation, the community was able to launch this important project. The Roncalli Foundation provided $22,090 which went towards transforming the offices of the local women’s organization into a versatile space for artisanal production and to purchase pedagogical materials and supplies to hold workshops.

 

 

 


By promoting local craftsmanship as a sustainable source of income, the project offers a viable economic alternative for the youth, thereby strengthening community resilience. This project aims not only to teach artisanal skills but also to reinforce Macuxi cultural identity by preserving and passing on ancestral knowledge to younger generations.

 

 

 



The artisanal creations celebrate the creativity and talent of Macuxi artisans while preserving their cultural heritage in the face of contemporary challenges. The generated income helps purchase materials for new creations, which ensures the continuity of the initiative. The Foundation is proud to support this project, which contributes to strengthening the community, offers hope to its youth and provides an inspiring model of sustainable development and cultural resilience.

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