The ancestral artistic talent of the Mehinako indigenous people
The Mehinako group are indigenous people from the upper Xingú River region, in the state of Mato Grosso, south of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Just over 200 indigenous people make up this group, which has survived the expeditions of European and Brazilian researchers since the end of the 19th century. Currently, the Mehinakos are one of sixteen ethnic groups that live in the Xingu Indigenous Park nature reserve. Together with the Waurá and Yawalapiti ethnic groups, they belong to the Aruak linguistic family group. Excellent artisans, the Mehinakos preserve their traditional artifacts. The men are responsible for making wooden benches, masks and beiju shovels, in addition to the final lashing of baskets. The women make buriti yarn, hammocks, baskets and...