Educação ambiental e saberes tradicionais das mulheres raizeiras e mulheres benzedeiras do cerrado.

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to investigate and understand the role of female raizeiras (traditional healers) and benzedeiras (blessers) of Cerrado in environmental preservation and sharing of cultural and environmental knowledge within their communities. The study sought to analyze the possible convergences between theoretical perspectives grounded in ethnoscience, education, environment, ecology of knowledge and practices present in the narratives of these women. This was done to determine whether the traditional and collective knowledge of raizeiras and benzedeiras may contribute to the formulation of ecopedagogical practices in environmental education. We also aimed to understand the importance of ancestry and topophilia in the practices of blessing and sharing of traditional knowledge about medicinal plants. To do so, a qualitative research was carried out through literature review, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews with seven women, including two master raizeiras from Cerrado and five benzedeiras from Escola de Almas Benzedeiras de Brasília (DF, Brazil). It was shown that raizeiras and benzedeiras of Cerrado gather a diversity of knowledge, with learning processes occurring through the oral transmission of knowledge in the daily lives of their communities. For these women and those who seek them out, healing occurs through words, plants, nature elements, and sacred rites – actions manifested in the act of blessing and manipulating Cerrado medicinal plants. Despite being practices originating from rural areas, they find adherence in urban centers due to their practitioners and those who receive blessings and attest to the power of these crafts. The knowledge and emotional bonds of raizeiras and benzedeiras with their territories contribute to keeping ancestral knowledge alive and preserving the Cerrado. It was possible to identify affinities and connections between the knowledge and practices of these women and the ecopedagogical practices of Environmental Education. We found that the daily practices experienced by the communities of raizeiras and benzedeiras, through their traditional knowledge and practices, bring significant contribution to establishing a relationship with other human beings and the environment based on empathy, affection, sharing, and sustainable use of Cerrado and its waters.