SHAWI MYTHS AND LEGENDS IN THE CULTURAL TOURISM OF THE PERUVIAN AMAZON: AN EXPLORATORY REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/levv17n56-077Keywords:
Shawi, Chayahuita, Amazonian Myths, Cultural Tourism, Indigenous Tourism, Peruvian Amazon, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Sustainable DevelopmentAbstract
The present document constitutes an exploratory review of the role of the myths and legends of the Shawi people in the development of sustainable cultural tourism in the Peruvian Amazon. The Shawi people, also known as Chayahuita, represent one of the most significant Indigenous communities in the Amazon region, with an estimated population of 17,241 native language speakers according to the 2017 National Census. Through a systematic analysis of academic literature and documentary sources, this study examines the Shawi worldview, its rich oral heritage of myths and legends, and its potential as a resource for community-based cultural tourism. The findings reveal that the Shawi oral tradition, including cosmogonic narratives such as the myth of the origin of the night and the creation of humanity from raw manioc, constitutes an invaluable cultural asset that can contribute to local economic development while preserving Indigenous cultural identity. The study identifies opportunities and challenges for integrating Shawi intangible heritage into sustainable tourism initiatives, emphasizing the need for models that respect community autonomy and ensure equitable benefits.
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