Ethnobotanies of refusal: Methodologies in respecting plant(ed)‐human resistance

Drawing on conversations with a Brazilian shaman about biopiracy and weaving together literature from the ontological and botanical turns, the author argues that plant healers and practitioners—especially indigenous ones—are largely uncited in plant-centered discussions, a gap with both disciplinary and political consequences. In Brazil, indigenous claims for territory and sovereignty gain legitimacy when tied to cultural patrimony. Using ayahuasca as an example of collaborative survival between plants and people, the analysis shows how the botanical turn is entangled with semiotic-material stakes in traditional knowledge and territory claims. The author proposes possible ethnobotanies and methodologies of refusal that respect plant(ed)-human resistance.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Elaborating on conversational exchanges with a Brazilian shaman about biopiracy and interweaving scholarly literature from the ontological and ‘botanical’ turn, the author examines the disciplinary as well as the political ramifications of plant healers and practitioners – particularly indigenous ones – going largely uncited in plant‐centred discussions. In Brazil, indigenous claims for territory and political sovereignty gain traction when they are linked to cultural patrimony. Highlighting ayahuasca as an example of the way that certain plants and people can be involved in collaborative survival, the author demonstrates the entwined semiotic‐material stakes of the botanical turn within claims for traditional knowledge and territory. Her analysis frames possible ethnobotanies and methodologies of refusal in respecting plant(ed)‐human resistance.