The
trunks are prepared with paint and ornaments
which make it easy to distinguish who
they represent: a shaman, a chief, hunters
or others in the Indian hierachy
This
is a 2003 Kuarup in honor of Indian
agent and friend, Orlando Villas Bôas,
who died in 2002. Villas Bôas
was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize
twice
Among
the many ethnic groups that live in
the Xingu are the Aweti, Kamayurá,
Kuikuro, Kalapalo, Maitipu-Nahukwa,
Mehinaku, Waurá, Yawalapiti and
Trumai
Minister
of Justice, Márcio Thomaz Bastos
(center). The Brazilian Indian Affairs
Bureau (Fundação Nacional
do Índio-Funai), is housed in
the Ministry of Justice
During
their dance, the Indians believe the
spirits of the dead are present. At
this moment, the family of the deceased
is invited to come close to the trunk
representing him
The
Huka Huka is the last event of the Kuarup.
It takes place at dawn after the wake
for the dead. The Kuarup ceremony is
over when the trunks are tossed into
the river
This
is Mawaiaka Lake. There are many lakes,
ponds and rivers in the Xingu park.
The most important rivers are the Xingu
and its tributaries, Suiá-Missú
and Maritsauá-Missú
An
Indian woman on Mawaiaka Lake. According
to government data, the average number
of births per woman in Brazil nowadays
is around 2; Indian women have five
The
rite of passage for a young male Indian
is called Awawoiá. Before, the
youths are isolated and cannot have
contact with females. They can only
train for Huka Huka
A
headdress which is worn only by men.
It is made of straw and decorated with
feathers and seeds. The more elaborate
it is the more important the wearing
it is
