THE BRAZILIAN HANDICRAFT PROGRAM (PAB) AND INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION

Handicraft production is historically widespread among indigenous communities. Still, it is clear from the high poverty of native Brazilian people that the income from this trade can be negligible. The objective of this research was to analyze the indigenous participation in the Brazilian Handicraft Program (PAB), in addition to studying the profile of the Brazilian indigenous craftsman, their engagement in the craft activity, and the income generated by this craft. For this, parameters such as gender, geographic distribution, and income ranges, among other data, were related to know specificities related to their activity. The method used was exploratory and comparative research through documentary research from the Brazilian Handicraft Registration Information System (SICAB). One of the points identified in the results was that 72% of the population dedicated to handicrafts as their primary activity declared that they lived with a family income of less than the minimum wage. The North region of Brazil was the most engaged among the analyzed parameters compared to the other areas. The Northeast region of Brazil stood out with leadership in the proportions of income above the minimum wage. On the other hand, the South region drew attention due to the lower ratio of this income index. It was also possible to identify that the population more engaged in the analyzed parameters had higher income ratios than those with less engagement. Among the parameters studied, exporting, participation in marketing events, and participation in training were the ones that most provided an increase in income above the minimum wage. The information and analyses presented provide a literature still little explored in the area and generate contributions to society by offering helpful information that can serve as a basis for public policies, the private sector, and the indigenous artisan community.