What Is The Traditional Weapon Used By The Huaorani Indians?

The traditional weapon used by the Huaorani is the tapa, a lance two meters long, with one end shaped like a harpoon and the other forming a sharp point. The lance is used to hunt large prey, including the ure and the amo, two types of wild pigs, and also to kill human beings. When carried for the latter purpose, the lance used to be decorated with colourful feathers. The blowgun, or umena, is used only for hunting monkeys and birds. The Huaorani love to hunt, and they describe heaven as a place with abundant game.

For two hours, Mima and her companions, guided by their highly developed sense of direction, move through the dense foliage. Suddenly there is intense activity. Mima shouts in a high-pitched voice. Dabo also shout and shakes the
It is spacious and reflects the practical nature of the Huaorani. Mima is lying in a comfortable position in her hammock near the fire. From there she can reach whatever she needs: firewood, water, food, cooking utensils, chambira -palm fiber-, and so on. She rolls the chambira against her thigh to produce the cord that is used to make nets, bags, hammocks, and
The eagle gave a shrill cry to warn residents of your approach. According to Huao tradition, the eagle is a guardian spirit providing protection for the family. It is captured in the rain forest when still a nestling, and fed and treated like a divine spirit by the family. The harpy eagle was part of the pantheon of olmec gods 3,000 years ago and, in Peru, was among the gods venerated by members of the Chavin culture. Today it is included in Huaorani mythology as well as in that of other Amazon groups. The Kachuyana of Brazil, for example, claim that the harpy "possesses the wisdom of all the spirits", and that it is the most powerful of the spirits from beyond."

AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

For the past thirty years, the Huaorani have been subjected to serious pressures as a result of changes taking place at social, ecological, economic and political levels, changes that have affected members of the group and the country as a whole. What does the future hold for the Huaorani as roads are opened, colonists arrive, and the oil, so abundant in the hunting grounds of the Huaorani, is exploited? What will happen to the virgin forest, where the jaguar growls and wild pigs abound, there, where the Huaorani face a challenge that is, perhaps, the most serious in their history?

Night falls and the song of the hilucu is heard. It is a male calling to its mate. Once again, the song