Huni Kuî People of Me Mia Ibu Isaka Village, Brazil
We are in the Amazon region of Acre, along the banks of the Envira River, in the Me Nia Ibu Isaka village of the Huni Kuî people. Known as the "True People," the Huni Kuî have preserved their traditions, language, and deep connection with the forest despite centuries of colonialism and territorial invasions.
A powerful visual expression of Huni Kuî culture is their body painting, created using jenipapo and urucum. These natural pigments, extracted from the fruits of the forest, are more than just adornments—they are symbols of identity, protection, and communication with the spiritual world. Each kene (the Huni Kuin word for patterns), passed down through generations, carries meanings connected to nature, whether representing the flowing river, the scales of a sacred snake, or other elements of the natural world.
Weaving is another fundamental aspect of Huni Kuî culture, carried forward by the skilled hands of the women in the community. Using cotton, they create textiles with geometric patterns that reflect the kene designs. The geometric patterns in their textiles reflect the same spiritual and natural motifs found in their body painting, creating a harmonious link between their visual expressions.
The Huni Kuî people use Nixi Pae (ayahuasca), a sacred medicine, in ceremonies that connect them to the spiritual world, their ancestors, and the wisdom of the forest. Through songs, prayers, and the rhythmic beating of maracás (rattles), the ceremony becomes a space for healing, learning, and guidance.
