Joaquim Suruí, cacique from Gabgir ethnic group, father of Uraan - Special Participation

ELLEN SLEGERS | SPECIAL PARTICIPATION
1972, Frankfurt, Germany. Lives and works in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Meetings With the White Man in His Time, 2014, sound installation
Courtesy: the artist

Ethnic group: Paiter Suruí
Language: Paiter Suruí
Speaker: Uraan Anderson Suruí
Location: State of Rondônia, Brazil

Description:
Extract taken from Paiter Suruí mythology “Amõ Anar Segah” (A story about contact with white people), narrated by Uraan Anderson Suruí.
This “story of contact with white people” read to us by Uraan Anderson talks about the problematic contact, which brought with it hardship and, frequently, death. It enables us to see through the eyes of the Paiter Suruí the story of the occupation by the white people, of the destruction of indigenous territories and their way of life. The repetition of these rhythms and sounds which imitate the cries of animals transmit to us the historical voice of the now extinct Paiter Suruí.