Body Maps and Life Genealogies: Methodologies for Narrating the Everyday Life of Afro-Bolivian Women from Tocaña

Abstract

In the project «Life Maps: Genealogies and Stories of Women from Tocaña», the methodologies of Body Maps and Life Genealogies are employed to make visible and recover the history and memory of afro-bolivian women in the Tocaña community. Through the workshops conducted, an open and participatory dialogue was fostered between the project team and the women of the community. Using Body Maps, participants symbolically depicted their experiences, emotions, and relationships with their bodies, delving into topics such as menstruation, ethnic identity, and emotional bonds. On the other hand, Life Genealogies activated collective memory through storytelling and the exchange of life stories, exploring themes such as education, family relationships, and everyday experiences. These feminist methodologies provided tools to empower women, promote reflection on their own experiences, and strengthen solidarity and communion among them. The project concluded with an exhibition showcasing the results of these methodologies, utilizing written narratives, photographs, and audiovisual material to share and make visible the voices and stories of afro-bolivian women.