Amazonian Native Ceramics

Tupã Matis, first wife of Binã Tucum (who also married here sister Daní), showing how the masks are made that are used for the Ceremony of Mariwin. After formed from wet clay, the ceramic masks are fired in a buried pit kiln and later painted red with annatto dye. Note the sticks inserted into the mouth of the mask. Later, kapok "cotton" will be attached to these sticks to represent the beard of the Mariwin spirits. For many years after the epidemics that decimated their population this ceremony was not practiced. However presently, this and other traditional practices are being revived, contributing to the resurgence of this indigenous Amazonian culture.

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