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Painting

Viewed as socially unacceptable to go around without body paint, the Kayapó spend hours working on the elaborate designs they paint on each other. The designs say a lot about who a person is, from gender and age, to social status, to personality.

 

Guardians of the Forest images were provided by Cristina Mittermeier.

 

Spirits and Headhunters: Vanishing Worlds of the Amazon is now open at HMNS through February 28, 2010.

 

Today, the Amazon is one of the world's most diversified regions, encompassing the rainforests of northeastern South America and the vibrant cultures of approximately 200 Indian tribes. Invisible to modern society, some of these are the last people of the new world who retain their pre-conquest culture. As they become more well-known, their recognition as great artisans of feather ornaments grows. Spirits & Headhunters: Vanishing Worlds of the Amazon celebrates ceremonies and rituals of passage unique to these indigenous people.

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Uploaded on December 2, 2009
Taken on October 14, 2007