Challenges and Opportunities for Ethical Collaborative Research: Social Contours of A'uwẽ (Xavante) Ethnobiological Knowledge

Abstract

In many countries, research authorizations must be obtained before field studies begin, even though it may be difficult to anticipate community understandings of ethnobiological knowledge ownership, possession, and use that should be reflected in informed consent protocols, study methods, and publishing decisions. In this article, I draw broadly on my experience conducting ethnobiological and other kinds of research involving biodiversity in five A'uwẽ (Xavante) communities in Central Brazil since 2004 to discuss the social contours of ethnobiological knowledge in their society. My goal is to provide an ethnographic account of several illustrative configurations of knowledge possession, sharing, and secrecy that shape who rightfully has access to what kinds of information and, therefore, bear upon culturally appropriate and collaboratively formulated data collection and informed consent practices. Most specialized A'uwẽ ethnobiological knowledge is considered secret and therefore not appropriate for scientific research and publication. I conclude with a discussion of how Indigenous sovereignty issues may collide with external ethics requirements while being strengthened by community action.