Expanding Narratives of Making: A Study of Quilombola Potters in the Brazilian Amazon

• In Event: Challenging Dominant Structures in Mentoring, Math, Data, and Making

Abstract

This paper explores pottery making practices in the Quilombola community of Maruanum in the Brazilian Amazon. Through observations and interviews with community members, we found pottery making to be inextricably linked to the community’s relationship with Mãe do Barro, a revered non-human entity. Ritualistic practices honor Mãe do Barro, who is seen as enabling the availability of clay and determining the quality of the clay products. Findings also revealed pottery making as a means for individual expression and innovation beyond income generation. This work contributes to broadening dominant notions of making by highlighting perspectives rooted in the worldview of a historically marginalized Global South community, pushing back against universalized concepts prevalent in maker education.

Authors

• Raquel Coelho, University of Pittsburgh

• Romaro Silva, Instituto Federal do Amapá

• Paulo Blikstein, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Lorena França

• Thiago Cancelier

• Joana Correa