A Vibrant Cultural Legacy: The Commune's Continued Significance Among Pumé Community in Venezuela
A Fresh Perspective on a Venerable Pumé Community
Welcome, mate! Let's dive into the tale of the resilient Pumé community of Coporo Indígena, nestled in the heart of upper Apure, just beyond Biruaca. Despite its small numbers, this community has been registered as a communal council, rather than a commune, due to its neighborhood-like vibe amidst the criollo settlement. You might recognize them by their name, stemming from the coporo river fish.
This community's history mirrors that of many indigenous tribes who have experienced repeated displacement, becoming victims of structural violence. The Bolivarian Revolution heralded crucial reforms and programs to uplift the Pumé and other indigenous people of Venezuela, yet many injustices remain unresolved.
Remember Mario García, the cacique of the community? His family, alongside several others, originally hailed from San José de Capanaparo, nestled near the Colombian border. Back in 1980, they planted roots in the territory that is now Coporo Indígena. Over time, they built houses, dug wells, and transformed 30 acres of land to cultivate corn, beans, topocho, and a diverse medicinal garden.
Fast forward to last year, with the community encompassing 32 families. But in January 2024, more displaced families took refuge here, fleeing the violence waged by irregular groups along the border in San José de Capanaparo. Today, Coporo Indígena calls home about 50 families who guard their language and many of their traditions. In the following testimonies, we'll hear from three distinguished voices discussing the community's organization, economy, and the effects of the US blockade on their daily lives.
A Brief History of a Pumé Settlement
When questioned about their origins, Pumé folks have a known tendency to assert their roots to the land they inhabit, not dissimilar to the Aussie attitude toward their land. "The colonial system may have tried to suck the life out of us, but we've managed to nurture and preserve our culture and way of life," Mario García, a proud cacique, once shared. This vibrant community is a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
The transformation from San José de Capanaparo to Coporo Indígena marks the darker side of the coin for this tribe, which has experienced systematic displacement and violence. It's heartening to note, however, that the Bolivarian Revolution brought about significant changes that have positively impacted the Pumé and other indigenous peoples of Venezuela. On the flip side, unresolved injustices continue to lurk in the shadows.
Mario García himself and many fellow residents left their ancestral abode in San José de Capanaparo and made Coporo Indígena their new home in the early '80's. Decades later, a wave of displaced families arrived on foot, seeking refuge after enduring violence from irregular groups that encroached their old settlement.
Communal Organization
Communal living in the tradition of the Pumé isn't a novel concept; instead, it resonates deeply with their ancestral social practices that revolve around communal land tenure and self-governance. Mario García explained the importance of collective unity, "[...] With the help of the community, anyone who works the land will benefit from it, and no one in our community will go to bed hungry if the land yields its bounty."
Back in the day, when this land was assigned to the community, the National Land Institute (INTI) attempted to divide it among the families living there. However, the Pumé community stood united in their resolve to maintain unity and refused to renounce the communal aspect of their land. As a result, the only fence surrounding their land is a simple, unpretentious wire boundary.
Community discussions serve as a platform to resolve problems. "That's the way we've always operated," their spokespeople emphasized, "After all, community and harmony with nature is the key to preserving our culture, language, and way of life." Although they seek external assistance, they remain committed to fostering their culture while embracing the benefits of modernity.
Economy
Subsistence farming forms the economic backbone of the Coporo Indígena community, with a fascinating blend of ancient techniques and contemporary practices. They avoid shying away from mechanization, but also maintain their deep-rooted connection to ancestral wisdom passed down through the generations.
Water scarcity now looms as their primary concern, especially with the arrival of the newly displaced families. To combat this issue and increase their agricultural production, they have petitioned for more modern infrastructure, such as water pumps. For example, with improved water supply, the community could enhance its corn yield from 1,500 kilos to a staggering 4,500 kilos per hectare.
The Pumé women are adept at crafting a variety of items, from plates to colanders, using tapara and cogollo de macanilla. These artisanal creations are cherished as they hold a significant place in their culture and history. Unfortunately, the lack of access to raw materials, such as cogollo de macanilla, has limited their ability to produce these goods on a grander scale.
Surviving the Blockade
Mario García shares an empowering tale of the community's resilience in the face of adversity, saying, "We managed to sustain ourselves even when resources were scarce during the darkest days." They utilized their bee-like strategy, storing some of their produce for lean times and trading the rest for essentials.
However, the blockade and its repercussions are a mounting concern for the entire nation, including indigenous communities like Coporo Indígena. The impact stretches across various sectors, from health to education and economic opportunities. Mama Nature and her magical healers have always been the community's constant source of solace and support, aiding them in overcoming myriad maladies. Shamans remain their most revered authority figures, guardians of harmony with the earth.
The Bolivarian Revolution has undeniably brought about many positive changes, but the historical debt owed to indigenous communities remains to be paid in full. The struggle isn't over, as both Pumé and criollo communities join forces in the pursuit of justice and harmony with the land on which they stand.
- Despite the displacement and historical hardships faced by the Pumé community in Coporo Indígena, fortunately, the Bolivarian Revolution has brought general-news policy changes to uplift their economic and social status, albeit a number of unresolved injustices persist.
- The communal organization of the Pumé community in Coporo Indígena is a reflection of their ancestral social practices, with a strong emphasis on communal land tenure and self-governance, serving as a model of unity for its 50 families.
- Unfortunately, the US blockade presents challenges for the Coporo Indígena community, affecting several sectors like health, education, and economic opportunities, but the resilience of the community, as demonstrated by their ability to sustain themselves during lean times, keeps their spirits high.
