#red paint

TheWaiãpi people live in the region bounded by the rivers Oiapoque, Jari and Amapari, in the Brazilian state of Amapá. They fight for the preservation and right to their lands, which are coveted by prospectors.

In addition to hunting and fishing, the Waiãpi practice subsistence farming, planting corn, cassava and cotton that is used to weave their own clothes. They exchange seeds of different plant species among their villages to ensure a good harvest to everyone.

Part of their daily routine is the painting of their bodies with urucum (also known as annatto), a fruit with reddish pigment that acts as a sunscreen and insect repellent.

In the last photo we can see the Kamuta village cacique (leader) posing along his wife and son, by the Inipuku river. There are approximately 750 lasting Waiãpi individuals.

Photos by: Zig Koch (2005) @ “Expedição Tumucumaque” limited book.