Baniwa Shamanic Revitalization - Inauguration of the Shamans' House

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is honored to support the Baniwa Shamanic Revitalization, which includes the filming and creation of a documentary record of snuff-jaguar shaman "Mandu" Manuel da Silva's practice and knowledge; organizing meetings to discuss aspects of indigenous culture and shamanic traditions; and the construction of a Shamans' House (now complete), which will serve as a catalyst for activities to strengthen and revitalize indigenous culture of the Baniwa people of the Aiary River.

This Baniwa Shamanic Revitalization was undertaken at the specific invitation of the Baniwa people and Mandu, who is in his eighties, and his family, who wish to preserve and pass on the shamanic knowledge of their people. Dr. Robin Wright, FSS Field Associate, who brought this project to our attention, has been working with the Baniwa for years to help them achieve this goal.

When Dr. Wright returned from the inauguration of the Shamans' House, he said:
"The initial goals of our project were fully realized. The Shamans' House of Knowledge is a beautiful construction, marvelous architecture that is like the Baniwa people's view of the cosmos materialized. They performed dances which I had never seen before - we filmed them all. Best of all, there is now a large group of apprentices (12) to the two head shamans. This revitalization project can be credited for having been responsible for that. This is not the end of the project by any means, but just the beginning; the Shamans' House of Knowledge has been inaugurated, and now we need to sustain it." See the full 17:48 minute video of the inauguration ceremony: http://www.shamanism.org/media/video/BaniwaInauguration.html

While much was achieved with the completion of the Shamans' House, including 12 new apprentices for Mandu to teach, one of them his daughter Ercilia, ongoing assistance is needed to continue the revitalization. Mandu and his family are specifically requesting aid for the purchase of a new outboard motor for the boat used by the village. River travel is essential to communication among the various tribes along the river. It is how Mandu's family contacted the other villages to let them know about the Shamans' House and the way supplies are obtained. Their old motor is constantly breaking down and is not expected to last much longer. Donations to help them obtain a new motor and for the purchase of fuel, as well as support for the recording and documentation of Mandu's shamanic knowledge for future generations, are urgently needed now. We hope to raise $12,000 to continue this project for another year.

To make a donation to help Mandu and his people, donate easily and securely online at http://www.shamanism.org/join/donation.php

Thank you.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Living Treasure
• Indigenous shamanism
• Baniwa
• Mandu da Silva
• Northwest Amazon