Tapirapé and Xoco ritual aims to summon help from spiritual allies

 

Whispering Wind proudly displays her blood lust
Photos by Catten Carter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Bolero News Services

AMAZON — The Tapirapé and Xoco tribes last weekend conducted a ritual sacrifice of a tapir in hopes that the gods would heed the tribes’ call.

Tribal leaders are reporting the northern tribes have experienced repeated assaults. The sacrifice was conducted with the goal of contacting the Yacumama, a deity that tribal shaman say resembles a giant snake. 

Diana of the Xoco stands eager for the Great Snake

“We hope that the Great Snake will attack the enemies of the two tribes, and bring vengeance for those we have lost in this terrible war,” said Catten Carter, tribal leader of the Tapirape.

Perhaps speaking to the seriousness of the conflict, the sacrifice held last weekend was particularly gruesome.

Tapirapé hunters captured a tapir and fed for a week, giving it a false sense of hope it would be kept as a pet. Tapirapé scout and animal enthusiast Alli gave the animal an affectionate name, Paul.

Then Paul was beheaded by Carter and its blood collected into a large bowl. 

Poor Paul

Whispering and Diana covered themselves in the animal’s blood, Whispering entered a trance to contact the Yacumama. Meanwhile, Tapirapé members Mandy, Summer, Alli and Violani blessed bird skulls and painted them with protective rituals. The skulls were given out to various spectators, to ensure their protection should the Yacumama arrive. They were also given a bloody handprint on their chest for the same reason. 

Shaman Whispering goes into a wicked trance

According to members of both tribes, the Tapirapé shaman successfully made contact with the Yacumama. They tribes and spectators celebrated their success with a huge party. Tapirapé drummers Beda, Regor, Lou and Cousin Bruce assisted Silvia with the music.

Since Sunday there have been no attacks, so the likely conclusion is that the Yacumama have eaten all enemies of the north.

“We thank everyone for their participation,” Carter said.

More photos of the grisly event can be see on the Amazon in SL Flickr page. 

No grill in sight.