On March 20th, 2023, the Indigenous Network USP of the Institute of Psychology organized a re-mudding activity for the House of Indigenous Cultures (Opy, in Guarani) in the campus. The house had small holes appearing in its walls due to natural wear over time.

It is important to highlight that this was not the first time the Opy had undergone re-mudding. A first restoration took place on April 5th, 2019.

To reach out to people beyond the Indigenous Network USP, announcements were made on the social medias, encouraging students, staff, and the broader community to take part in this activity.

For the re-mudding process, soil was provided by the Campus Administration. Water was gradually added to form the clay. With the help of everyone present, the clay mixture was prepared using the traditional technique of trampling those elements in order to produce a clay that’s fitting for the House’s restoration.

The practice of mixing clay by trampling is a tradition in Indigenous villages. In these communities, it is also customary to chant while performing this task, as a way of transmitting intentions to the earth and bringing positive energy into the house.

The event was honored by the presence of Xeramõi Karaí Tataendy, an elder and healer, who holds ancestral knowledge on the re-mudding of traditional Mbya Guarani houses. His participation in the construction of the house in 2017 was essential, as he provided all the guidance on how to carry out this work. In addition to Xeramõi, his wife, Xejaryi Iracy, was also present. She is the spiritual leader of Tekoha Pyau in the Jaraguá Indigenous Land.

The event was open to the public, and many people from both inside and outside the Institute of Psychology attended. A communal meal was also held, where participants could bring fruits and light foods to share. Among the offerings was xanjau (watermelon), a sacred fruit for the Guarani.

At the end of the activity, as soon as the re-mudding was completed, everyone gathered inside the house to eat and take part in the Nhemboaty, a gathering to joint think-feeling through the exchange of experiences, perceptions, and knowledge.

Post de divulgação do rebarreamento
Fonte: Instagram da Rede Indígena