Tribal Rugby in the Amazon of Brazil

This is not the most glamorous photograph of me, but I was willing to trade vanity for the story, and this was a moment of victory. I'd tackled and been tackled in a mud fest for this paw paw and despite being a beginner at this games "Brincadeiras" (Portuguese for games), also never having played a game of rugby in my life, I was up for getting amongst it.

 

I'd been in the Amazon of Brazil, staying with a tribe, the Katukina or the Nokê Koí as they call themselves, doing some filming with them. I'd watched a few of their games and this was a favourite, so I thought it was high time I came out from behind the camera and got involved, down and dirty.

 

It's Ladies Vs Fellas and I had a height advantage of about three feet on these guys though so I guess you could call it a little unfair, but by no means was it an easy win.

 

When that slippery little paw paw is clamped tightly under a huddle of girls keeping it from the fellas, it's impossible for them to pry it out, they need to resort to 'slap and tickle' tactics. When it's in the hands of the fellas, it is being tossed overhead between them like a 'Piggy In The Middle' game.

 

If the 'ball' breaks another is thrown in and the play continues (until someone gets hurt).

 

There is no real winner, it's more just to have a good laugh and squeal. When it's over, we all traipse off to the creek for a wash.

 

Done