For the past sixteen years the Yawanawá have celebrated their festival in the village Nova Esperança (New Hope). It was the first indigenous festival where a tribe opened their doors to visitors from the outside world to partake in their traditional games and medicines. Since then most tribes and indigenous communities of the region have started to organize festivals to help preserve their traditions and to have a healthy contact with the Nawa, the non indigenous peoples.
The pristine Gregorio River, highway to the Yawanawá.
Filling the engine at the gas station.
Cruising on the river.
Arrival at Nova Esperança where the festival is held.
Opening the games. A clay pot with a bamboo, used for events but also by shamans for healing.
Yawanawá warrior.
Circular dancing, somethings exist in all folkloric dancing.
Last of the ancients hundred year old shaman, Yawarani.
The kids enjoying the games.
Tradicional way to settle a dispute, nowadays a folkloric game.
Youngest son of the chief.
In battle.
Concentration.
Headdress and bag.
Singing with famous regional musician João Donato.
Father and son.
Having a laugh.
Painted for war.
Another tradicional warrior game.
Ready, steady...
And go!
The new generation of tradition keepers.
Blowing the ancient and sacred clay pot, a powerful instrument.