Ijadokomã - young maidem girls (2010-03-19) by Chang WhanMuseu do Índio
Iny
Speakers of a language of the Macro Je stock, the Iny, as they call themselves, have admirably managed to preserve their language and culture throughout the generations in more than two centuries of interaction with the hegemonic Brazilian culture.
Such cultural vitality is mainly due to the Iny's belief in keeping a good cosmic order among the three realms of existence - the earthly, the heavenly, and the underwater - through the enactment of traditional cyclical rites.
Hetohokỹ
The Hetohokỹ is the Great House festival that marks and celebrates the coming of age of the jyrè, the river otter boys, and their entry in the adult men's social circle. It is one of the main ritual celebrations of the Karajá tradition.
Jyrè in the Big House reclusion. (2010-03-22) by Chang WhanMuseu do Índio
The jyrè, the river otter boy
Proud mothers and aunts make new mats and beautiful adornments for the jyrè to wear on the special occasion. Fathers and uncles make them new korixy, the ceremonial stools. They also farm the land and fish to provide food for the guests who will be coming to the event.
Jyrè's ceremonial stool and mat. (2010-03-10) by Chang WhanMuseu do Índio
Korixy, ceremonial stool, and bykirè, the jyre's straw mat.
Mahuederu makes feather ear adornment. by Chang WhanMuseu do Índio
Grandmother crafting ear adornment Kuè.
Kuè - ear adornment. by Chang WhanMuseu do Índio
Kuè, made with capibara's tooth and macaw feathers.
Ijadòkoma - paired maiden girls at ritual dance with Ijasò (arowona fish spirit). (2010-02-27) by Chang WhanMuseu do Índio
During the months of preparation, the village is periodically visited by the ijasò, the spirits of the arowana fish who like to sing and dance with the Ijadokomã girls.
Dança de Aruanã (2010-03-19) by Chang WhanMuseu do Índio
Black Ijareheni Ijasò (arowana fish spirit) . (2011-03-11) by Chang WhanMuseu do Índio
The ijasò are loved and revered by the Iny. Keeping them happy and pleased is a way to ensure good order and balance between worlds.
Continue in Part 2: The Celebration
Museu do Índio - MI
Fundação Nacional dos Povos Indígenas - FUNAI
Ministério dos Povos Indígenas - MPI
Indigenous Languages and Cultures Documentation Project - 914BRZ4019 / UNESCO
Karajá / Iny Culture Documentation Subproject
Research, curation, photography, videos and texts
Chang Whan
Virtual exhibition assembly
Coordenação de Patrimônio Cultural - COPAC/Museu do Índio
Serviço de Gabinete - SEGAB/Museu do Índio
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