Archiving and Processing Shuar Recordings, 1955-1990

University Of Oregon Eugene, Eugene OR

Investigators

Abstract

The main goal of the Shuar Language Documentation Project is to digitalize and process over 200 hours of Shuar recordings collected between 1955 and 1965 by the Salesiano missionary, Father Siro Pellizaro. The recordings will be digitalized, transcribed and translated. These recordings contain information and stories which have disappeared from the collective memory of the current generation of Shuar (Jivaro). A strength of this proposal is the degree of collaboration with the Shuar. Young Shuar will be trained to carry out the bulk of the work themselves. During this process they will not only obtain important skills, but increase their knowledge and involvement with their own culture. The majority of indigenous cultures in South America, and indeed the world have undergone immense cultural and language shifts during the last century. The project will provide a rich database for those interested in language and culture change. The information will be invaluable for linguists, anthropologists, historians, botanists and other scholars.