The Wajapi: Paint, Symbols & Indigenous Identity | FULL DOCUMENTARY

“Why do we pass on our knowledge? Because we don't want to become dependent on others.” In the north of the Amazon, in one of the most inaccessible forests of Brazil, the Wajapi live an existence preserved from modern influence. Fleeing from white people, their diseases, massacres, and forest destruction, they tried to preserve their identity and their way of life. Here, painting one's skin red is a way of maintaining a link with a very ancient civilization. The Wajapi have a long history of using vegetable dyes to adorn their bodies with compositions and symbols, such as snakes or jaguars, butterflies or fish bones. This unique communication system reflects their world-view and enables them to hand down knowledge about community life. Documentary: Living Cultures EP Red Skin Directed by: Charlie Buffet Production: ZED #fulldocumentary #documentary #redskin #amazon #brazil #wajapi #people