Pataxó beauty

originally uploaded by Tatiana Cardeal © 2005

They were waiting to the beginning of their ritual.
I really like the fact of this pretty woman was looking to the opposite side from everyone.
Even when we have the identity, the roots, is always good to keep the eyes open from every view sides. Keep your mind open, in many ways.

The Pataxó People lives in Bahia State from Brazil.
Population about 2.790 (in 1998)

smiling sun

originally uploaded by Tatiana Cardeal © 2005

Pataxó warrior

originally uploaded by Tatiana Cardeal © 2005

The Pataxo have long found themselves embroiled in conflicts over territory. Although their territories were "demarcated" in the 1930s, they were progressively marginalized by ranchers and other outsiders. In 1999 they made international headlines by occupying Monte Pasqual National Park, demanding the return of their traditional lands, and in the following year were highly visible again in protests surrounding the 500th anniversary of European "discovery" of Brazil.
They are still fighting, as you can see here in my old set from the V World Social Forum, where they did some protests.

Ubiranan is his name.
It means "Great Warrior's son".

fashioned

originally uploaded by Tatiana Cardeal © 2005

Ubiranan was wearing all those indigenous stuff.
I couldn't know where to look first.

Pataxó handicrafts

originally uploaded by Tatiana Cardeal © 2005

Located just 90 minutes from a major beach area, the community sees carefully managed tourism as a potential source of environmentally sustainable development that
could contribute to cultural preservation, giving youth an opportunity to remain in the area rather than drifting
to the cities.
Their village has embraced a return to its roots, an emphasis on reinvigorating traditional songs, dances, ceremonies, and even food and dress.

Pataxó whistle

originally uploaded by Tatiana Cardeal. © 2005

When i saw this piece of wood on the ground with the handicrafts, I asked him what it was.
He wanted to show me, and made amazing bird's sounds.
I still don't know who was more concentrated,
he blowing the whistle
or me shooting his portrait
while listening the bird's sound through him.

All around was silence.

If i'm not wrong, his name is Matiguti,
which means tree's forest with big fruit :)

golden chief

originally uploaded by Tatiana Cardeal © 2005.

Pataxós, Brazilian Natives painting their bodies to the manifestation. They are living big problems with their land's demarcation, fighting with farmers and big cellulose multinacional industry. It was wonderful to see they doing that paintings, preparing their soul.