The history of the Shanenawa tells that their people emerged from a magical basket, from which different peoples, represented by feathers of birds and bats, came out. The first to emerge was the white people, followed by indigenous peoples, including the Shanenawa. Initially, they lived on the banks of the Juruá River and faced conflicts with other groups. An internal dispute, related to women, divided the people: some migrated to Peru and others settled by the Tarauacá and Muru rivers. The first contact with whites occurred through rubber tappers. The grandfather of one of the narrators describes the initial meeting, which involved commercial exchanges, such as hats and tobacco for meat and other indigenous products. The Shanenawa were forced to work in rubber plantations, starting at Seringal Simpatia, where rubber plantation owners from São Paulo attempted to enslave them. Dissatisfied, they moved to Seringal São Francisco and later to the Feijó region. There, rubber plantation owner Valdemar Probem allowed them to live on his land, benefiting from their crops. Later, Governor Joaquim Falcão Macedo granted a larger piece of land to the Shanenawa, consolidating their presence even before the existence of FUNAI (National Indigenous Peoples Foundation).
The culture of the Shanenawa, whose name means “bluebird people,” is deeply connected to nature and spirituality. Although Portuguese is the predominant language among them, the community is committed to preserving their native language, which is taught and encouraged in indigenous schools. Modernity, with technologies such as TV and electronics, along with changes in diet, has influenced the culture, but the school and traditional rituals play an important role in preserving traditions. Festivals such as Nuke Manuti Peyrani and events in the Shane Kaya Village offer spiritual and cultural experiences, integrating visitors with the ancestral wisdom of the Shanenawa, reinforcing the identity and autonomy of this people, who combine modernity and tradition in their trajectory of resistance.
The traditions of the Shanenawa are rich in spirituality and rituals that celebrate their connection to nature. The mariri is one of their most striking festivities, held in the Acrean summer, without a fixed date. During the event, traditional dances and songs are accompanied by body paintings and ancestral clothing. Belief in forest spirits, especially in jusin tsaka, is central, being used to educate children. In addition to mariri, there are other cultural practices, such as sugarcane competitions and swimming contests, reflecting the strength and pride of this people in keeping their traditions alive and vibrant.
The Shanenawa inhabit the north-central region of Acre, especially on the left bank of the Envira River, in the Municipality of Feijó. The social structure is based on extended families and clans, such as Waninawa (palm people) and Kamanawa (jaguar people), with leadership centralized in the figure of the chief. Important decisions are made collectively in meetings. When visiting, you will have the opportunity to witness this harmonious social organization and participate in community gatherings that promote unity and cooperation.
The Shanenawa economy is based on subsistence agriculture, cultivating cassava, corn, bananas, and peanuts. Hunting and fishing are limited, but crafts, including bows, arrows, necklaces, and baskets, are an important source of income, marketed by the Shanenawa Association of the Morada Nova Village (ASAMN). Support the community by purchasing these beautiful handmade products and learn more about traditional production techniques.
Religiosity is marked by the belief in forest spirits, the jusin, which can be beneficial or malevolent. The most feared is jusin tsaka, who appears at night and is used to discipline children. They use ayahuasca, called umi, in rituals that enable communication with ancestral spirits. Although there are no shamans in the community, the Shanenawa have a rich herbal medicine and purification practices. After contact with non-indigenous people, some members adopted Christian beliefs.
Traditional medicine is diverse, including herbal treatments and the frog vaccine, made with the venom of phyllomedusa bicolor. Ayahuasca is used for both spiritual and medicinal purposes, maintaining physical health. Discover the secrets of this ancestral medicine and take the opportunity to learn about the natural treatments used by the community.
The Shanenawa continue to fight for the preservation of their cultural identity and rights to their lands through the Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the Envira River (OPIRE). Many are politically engaged, actively participating in national political processes. Support this important cause by visiting and learn more about the ongoing political and social initiatives.
To reach the Shanenawa Village, you can fly to Rio Branco, the capital of Acre, and from there drive to the municipality of Feijó. From Feijó, the journey continues by river via the Envira River to the village. This picturesque journey is a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the region and the way of life of the Shanenawa.
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Book an activity at Shanenawa Village now and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of this extraordinary people. Check out the available tourist activities below and prepare for a transformative experience in the heart of the Amazon!
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