Design and ancestry questioned: considerations on the social role of design in contemporary Brazil

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the character and social role of design and the work of designers in contemporary Brazil. It particularly focuses on processes and projects that incorporate the knowledge and ancestral traditions of indigenous peoples. The analysis is conducted through the works of Gui Bonsiepe and Aloísio Magalhães, highlighting the relevance of design in valuing and recognizing the production methods of these communities. The discussion addresses how contemporary design can serve as an agent of social transformation by integrating traditional knowledge and promoting cultural inclusion and appreciation. The article emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and critical perspective in the field of design, recognizing and celebrating the richness of ancestral traditions.