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Moving alike: movement and human-nonhuman relationships among the Runa (Ecuadorian Amazon)

Mezzenzana, Francesca (2018) Moving alike: movement and human-nonhuman relationships among the Runa (Ecuadorian Amazon). Social Anthropology, 26 (2). pp. 238-252. ISSN 0964-0282. (doi:10.1111/1469-8676.12486) (KAR id:66786)

Abstract

In this paper I suggest that an analysis of movement can offer a fresh perspective through which to look at human–nonhuman relationships in Amazonia and beyond. Focusing on some examples from my ethnographic work among the Runa of the Ecuadorian Amazon, I explore how movement constitutes an important means through which similarity with nonhumans is constituted in everyday practice. Movement, as a common quality that human and nonhumans share, enables the Runa to consider themselves as ‘alike’ nonhuman others. In particular, I will show how self-movement, understood as the awareness of one’s own movement, is a central way in which Runa women align themselves to a spirit entity known as a the Grandmother of Clay.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1111/1469-8676.12486
Uncontrolled keywords: movement, indigenous Amazonia, human–nonhuman relationships, form, animism
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Francesca Mezzenzana
Date Deposited: 18 Apr 2018 15:28 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 08:56 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/66786 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Mezzenzana, Francesca.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0867-4715
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