There are approximately 200 Indian societies living in Brazil; 200 cultures with distinct languages, religions and social organizations. This represents one of the greatest cultural treasures in the world. This treasure, however, is under constant threat mainly due to conflicts over land and the advance of non-indians on Indian territories.
The material culture of the Indian people expresses to the other sectors of society their vision of the universe and, almost always, carries out a utilitarian function in the daily routine of the tribal community. But this vision has been influenced by a variety of pressures to which the Brazilian indians are submitted, for their land is coveted by the local non-indians due to its rich flora, fauna and under soil.
The influence of the non-indians of the region on the Indian people can be perceived in their artifacts. During the last few years, agents from FUNAI have verified a lower quality in the artifacts they produce. This process coincides with the advance of non-indians on their territory, which has provoked environmental changes and deprived the indians of the raw materials necessary for the production of their art. Besides this, the low investment in the areas of education, health and productive activities, has caused the indigenous societies to be susceptible to regional influences and dependent on benefits from the State.
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