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Review Article Volume 8 Issue 1
Why do we fight for the existence of txamatxama? Material culture, memory and museums among the katxuyana-kahyana
Adriana Russi, Neide Imaya Wara Kaxuyana
Received: February 14, 2026 | Published: March 23, 2026
Citation: Russi A, Kaxuyana NIW. Why do we fight for the existence of txamatxama? Material culture, memory and museums among the katxuyana-kahyana. Art Human Open Acc J. 2026;8(1):16-22. DOI: 10.15406/ahoaj.2026.08.00269
Abstract
This article articulates the testimonies of two Indigenous people from the Katxuyana and Kahyana tribes – Juventino Pesirima Kaxuyana and Neide Imaya Wara Kayana, who is also an author – with aspects of these peoples’ struggle to preserve their cultures within the context of cultural policies in Brazil. It highlights the leading role of Indigenous people in defending their rights and in initiatives for cultural self-esteem. It reflects on projects such as the reconstruction of the tamiriki house, within the scope of the Indigenous Cultures Award, and the inventory of the txamatxama feather crown, within the scope of an intangible heritage project. It emphasizes the importance of these Indigenous people visiting museums and accessing their museum artifacts in situ as a strategy and agency in cultural revitalization, the reactivation of memories, and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
Keywords: katxuyana, Kahayan, indigenous peoples, cultural policy, intangible cultural heritage
©2026 Russi, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.