Cerrado root-healers' craft may become cultural heritage

On June 10, at 2 p.m., Iphan may take a historic step: recognizing, during the 113th Meeting of the Consultative Council for Cultural Heritage, the Craft of Raizeiras and Raizeiros do Cerrado as cultural heritage of Brazil. If approved, the practice will be inscribed in the Book of Registration of Knowledge.

The craft is practiced across a vast stretch of Brazilian territory, spanning Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Bahia, Maranhão and Piauí, as well as the Federal District. It is carried out by bearers of traditional knowledge who master the complete healing cycle, from botanical identification to the preparation of home remedies.

More than a title, the recognition reinforces the value of the Cerrado's plant knowledge and communities as living heritage of Brazilian culture.