Development and Change in the Traditional Landscape of the Mayo Aguaruna, Eastern Perú

Abstract

The Mayo Aguaruna of eastern Perú currently are experiencing significant economic change. Formerly tropical forest dwellers, hunters, gatherers and horticulturalists, the Aguaruna have now adopted commercial rice cultivation and are beginning to participate in the national econony. Economic change has impact on many levels of Aguaruna culture; one of the most evident effects is change in the traditional landscape. New house types, settlement patterns, paths of communication and social function of the communities indicate changes in economic activity. While economic change is often interpreted as economic development, the transformation also reflects conformation to the ideals of Peruvian national culture.