tajana_diary_2

5th June 2007 The Jaminawa are primarily located within the State of Acre, near the borders of Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. The Jaminawa village that I visited has a population of approximately 50 members and is situated on the Xapuri River.

While fishing meets the protein needs for most of the Jaminawa, each family raises domesticated animals such as sheep, pigs, and chickens. In addition, each family clears and maintains small plots of tree and root crops. This is their only mean of surviving but many take pride in what they accomplish. Each member of the tribe believes that they have the “secret” to raise best animals and plants. I was amazed how they are proud of the basic skills they have such as panting a tree and yet where I come from, a university degree may not even be enough. Traditional Jaminawa ornamentation includes pierced noses with a necklace draped over the ears. This practice is ceremonial for both men and women. Many women that I have spoken to said that they had their noses pierced while they were young and it is the parents’ duty to ensure that their child completes this rite of passage.

Traveling by canoe on the Xapuri River is the primary means by which the Jaminawa move from one village to another or visit Brazilian settlements. After traveling by a canoe, I realized how hard it is for them to communicate with the outside world, as canoe rides are tiring and sometimes even dangerous. The river is full of dangerous species and only the bravest and most experienced are allowed to travel by canoe. Jaminawa women spin wild cotton to make thick string used in the weaving of hammocks and handbags. These items are made for their own use as well as trading with the Brazilians who travel the river. I bought one of the handbags as a respect for their work. It cost only US$1 for 2-3 days work. They take into account the personal satisfaction they get from it and not the value of what they make.