Icaro of the Boa

In the Amazon a shamans primary tool is his or her ability to channel spirits through song. These spirit songs, also known as icaros, have been described as the quintessence of shamanic power with the number of icaros a shaman knows being a measure of his/her power. Each plant and animal has a specific icaro and the melodies are believed to unlock their healing powers. Shamans do not see themselves as magicians, but rather as stewards of the icaros — a living body of healing and spiritual knowledge.

Clip taken from the feature work-in-progress documentary/archive, "Spirit Songs: A Musical Taxonomy of the Amazon." learn more at innermissionproductions.com

Song by Vladimiro
Photos by Gracy Obuchowicz
Edited by Ryan B. Wylie

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Icaros
• Amazon
• Rainforest
• Boa
• Anaconda
• ayahuasca
• Ryan Wylie
• Gracy Obuchowicz
• Vladimiro
• music
• song
• spiritual
• ecology
• taxonomy