The Yanomami are very spiritual people who practice the religion of animeism which deeply connects them to the animals and nature around them. They cherish the souls of the animals and plants and refer to their spirits as xapiripe in recognition of their significance. In result, the Yanomami have a unique way of connecting with the plants and animals. They are known for their use with the hallucinogen known as Yopo that helps to unify the spirits of the plants and animals with their own. In their belief system, animals were once humans, but are now in animal form as a result of horrible things they did in their past life. They view the universe as one that consists of four parallel layers that are all different from one another. The top layer is called Count Duku, the second is Hedu ka mis [sky level], the third is Hei ka misi, and the fourth is known as Hei ta bebi [underworld]. Just like any culture, gender roles are practiced in the Yanomamis’ ways. For example, the men there are able to become shamans also referred to as medicine men or witch doctors in some cases. In opposition to the men there, the women often play a more submissive role that constitutes cooking and caring for their children. The people connect everything to spirituality whenever something good or bad happens to one of them. An instance of this could be that when someone is very ill among the tribe, it is often said to be a shaman that is causing the distress instead of one’s immune system failing them. As a result, the shaman must dispose of the demons inside of those sick while also curing the illness with herbal remedies constructed by nature. The bond between the tribe is extremely strong and is unbreakable even after death. The Yanomami people mourn over, cherish, and celebrate their dead ancestors in the traditional reahu ceremony after deaths. To show their appreciation of the deceased, the people consume the ashes in the form of a soup to show respect and adoration for those who have passed on. They want the ancestors to live within themselves while also maintaining the sacred ties they had. In today’s modernization, the Yanomami are one of the last remaining ancient cultures being that they are still so culturally unscathed in the declining religions and traditions around them.
References:
Professor Wesch at Kansas State University
2010 Introduction to cultural Anthropology. Electronic document,
http://ksuanth.wikifoundry.com/page/Yanomamo+History, accessed July 24, 2014
2010 Introduction to cultural Anthropology. Electronic document,
http://ksuanth.wikifoundry.com/page/Yanomamo+History, accessed July 24, 2014
ReplyDeleteReflection:
I find many of the Yanomami’s traditions peculiar while also admiring their dedication to them. They are truly unique to their culture and it’s fascinating how much of it has not been hindered through time and the inevitable influences from other indigenous groups/people. Many cultures are not based solely on their influences from nature projected by the animals and plants within it and that aspect is strong in itself. It’s enlightening just how much they trust in the benefits that nature will provide to its people. Having the strength to believe in something so unpredictable shows the confidence that the people have in their souls and mental psyches. Many religions today lack the energy that the Yanomami people possess so I fully understand how they have been able to maintain such a prominent culture despite global influences. Although drugs are common in many areas, I also found it interesting how the Yanomami have such a strong intimacy with Yopo. They use this drug in ceremonies which could be a controversial issue in another culture. The Yanomami aren’t easily influenced and, in my opinion, that is a great way to be.
In addition to these observations after thoroughly analyzing the tribe even more I am able to see how the Yanomami have avoided the consequences of globalization. I have tried especially hard to maintain a non-ethnocentric attitude towards their religion due to the vast differences it displays when compared to my own. In doing so, it has been easier to apply the ideas of cultural relativism and cultural sensitivity through my observations of the Yanomami people.
DeleteLexi,
ReplyDeleteThis is good and personalized. I appreciate it very much. I think you should just add something related to course content (in addition to mentioning global influences). We talked about Religion and the use of hallucinogens. We watched this in film, so why not use some of that, and when you describe or compare rather with other cultures and how controversial the drug usage is, why not mention ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. You can add this here in addition to your very insightful reflection, and very important to me is that you mention some of this course content in your presentation. This essential for the final presentation Okay. You guys are a very good group. I appreciate all of you and your very responsible work. Thanks, and looking forward to watching you present on Wednesday :-)