Mandu (Chief) da Silva, Jaguar-Shaman of the Amazon was recently appointed an FSS "Living Treasure of Shamanism"

The Foundation is pleased to fund a new project, the Baniwa Shamanic Revitalization, involving one of the last jaguar-shamans, “Mandu” Manuel da Silva, of the Baniwa people of the Aiary River, the northwest Amazon, Brazil. Mandu’s correct title is “snuff-jaguar” (dzato dzauika). There are several types of shamans among the Baniwa; the most important and powerful is the “snuff-jaguar,” of which Mandu is the last.

Dr. Robin M. Wright, a professor of Religion and Anthropology, recently appointed as a Foundation Field Associate for the northwest Amazon, brought this important effort to our attention. The Foundation is entirely funding the project, which includes the filming and creation of a documentary record of the last jaguar-shaman’s practice and knowledge; organizing meetings to discuss aspects of indigenous culture and shamanic traditions; and the construction of a shaman’s center, which will serve as a catalyst for activities to strengthen and revitalize indigenous culture of the Baniwa of the Aiary River.

Your contributions to the Foundation make the support of this unique preservation effort possible — thank you!

Update September 7, 2009. Dr. Wright has been sending regular updates about the Baniwa Shamanic Revitalization of the Aiary River and the last jaguar-shaman, Living Treasure Mandu Manuel da Silva. Here is his report showing how the support of the Foundation is making a difference and helping to preserve endangered shamanic knowledge:

I have been in touch with Manuel’s family regularly, and I can tell you that (1) they have purchased the video camera and are beginning to tape Manuel’s explanations of shamanism, and his telling his autobiography; (2) Manuel’s son, Alberto, has been busy organizing the meeting of chanters with Manuel, to discuss the future of shamanism among the Baniwa. Alberto would like to hold the meeting within 30 days. At that time, they will also discuss the building of a shamans’ center and curing house. Priority number one is the “Shamans’ House”, or Malirida’pan which is the name of the new shamans’ center constructed by the Baniwa of the Aiary River. In my last telephone conversation with Mandu’s family, they informed me that everyone is now at the Center, filming (with the camera purchased from the funds) the completion and final touches on the house. So, Mandu’s daughter Ercilia learned how to manage the film camera and is putting it to good use. Once the inauguration date is set, I will be going to officially present Mandu with his “Living Treasure” award.

Ercilia has continued to tape and film interviews with her father, recording that precious knowledge which only he knows and which will be a source of great value for all those who wish to become shamans in the future and all those who wish to know of the jaguar-shaman’s understanding of the cosmos and healing.

She has filmed the work that has been done so far in constructing the center, and will be sending me a copy of the film footage, which I will then send to you. According to her, everyone in the village is elated and excited with the new Center, anxious for the Inauguration festival. She stated that Alberto would really like someone from the Foundation to go along with me to the village for the inauguration festival and presentation of the Living Treasure award. She emphasized that it would be very important for someone from the Foundation to be there. Right now, they are planning to have the inauguration on December 24 (I know it’s Christmas Eve – which may or may not have some significance for this event for them). They insisted that I be there too; and while I am a physically handicapped person, with difficulties in mobility, I will certainly make an effort to make the 2 1/2 day trip by motorboat to the village. My son will help me, as will Alberto, to get around, especially in traversing two major waterfalls along the way.

On a more somber note, Mandu and his wife have had a bout with the flu (the swine flu), but it is testament to the efficacy of their practice of fasting, that they have gotten over the worst part of it and are recovering. Unfortunately, a kin of theirs died from this flu.

I must say that this whole project has been and is a very uplifting experience for the people of the village. What is going on is a revitalization – which is what we wanted to achieve in the first place.

Thatching the roof of the Shamans' House.

Update September 22, 2009. Robin says that the shaman’s house is now finished. “It is huge!” he reports. “It is set off from the rest of the village where the shamans can practice at ease. Perfect location, with a place for patients to sit. It’s like a hospital, but a shaman’s hospital.” There are also five tapes so far of Mandu telling his life story from childhood to adult, as well as a separate tape with the sacred story of how the deities acquired shamans’ powers from the great harpy eagle and from the Tree of Life.

Update November 8, 2009. We are excited to report that the Shamans’ Center, called “Shamans’ House”, or Malirida’pan has been completed and that the inauguration ceremony is planned for December 1. FSS Field Associate Robin Wright will attend and video the festivities, which will also be attended by the President of the Brazilian National Indian Agency. In addition, several shamans from Venezuela will be traveling from their village several days away to attend the ceremony.

Update December 18, 2009: Inauguration of the Shamans’ House of Knowledge

Robin Wright sent this initial report on his attendance at the Inauguration.

Just a note to let you know that I am back from the inauguration and that the initial goals of our project were fully realized. The Shamans’ House of Knowledge is a beautiful construction, marvelous architecture that is like the Baniwa people’s view of the cosmos materialized. They performed dances which I had never seen before – we filmed them all.

Best of all, there is now a large group of apprentices (12) to the two head shamans. This revitalization project can be credited for having been responsible for that. This is not the end of the project by any means, but just the beginning; the Shamans’ House of Knowledge has been inaugurated, and now we need to sustain it.

Mandu was very pleased with the Foundation’s Living Treasure award, as was his family, and the book of shamans’ photos which I had put together in the months before going.

When all is said and done, what we did – and the initiative came from a collaboration spanning three decades – was to stimulate the transmission of shamanic knowledge in light of the serious attritions suffered over the years from the evangelicals, old age, and flagging interest among the younger generation. Whether that will last only the future will tell; it may work out better than some of the “sustainable development” projects in the region which cost enormous amounts of money, but which produce precious little results.

Also, the Baniwa may have their first female shaman, Ercilia, the daughter of Mandu, who got so interested in what her father was taping that she is determined to become one. Nothing in the tradition says that women can’t be shamans.

February 2010 Update

Gathering of the Council. On January 29th, at the Friday evening event before the Council gathering, Dr. Robin W. Wright, Foundation Field Associate, gave a moving presentation about Living Treasure snuff-jaguar shaman “Mandu” Manuel da Silva and the inauguration ceremony for the Shamans’ House of Knowledge. This revitalization was undertaken at the specific invitation of the Baniwa people and Mandu and his family, who wish to preserve and pass on the shamanic knowledge of their people. Dr. Wright has been working with them for years to help them achieve this goal and the Foundation is honored to be able to assist by funding their efforts.

While much was achieved with the completion of the Shamans’ House, including 12 new apprentices for Mandu to teach, ongoing assistance is needed to ontinue the revitalization. Mandu and his family are specifically requesting aid for the purchase of a new outboard motor for the boat used by the village. River travel is the way that people maintain contact and get to other villages, as well as obtaining supplies. Their old motor is constantly breaking down and is not expected to last much longer. Robin reports that a new outboard motor can be obtained for $4500. Donations toward fuel are also needed. To make a donation to help Mandu and his people, please visit the Foundation’s website. In the “TO” box, enter the term “Baniwa”. View the video of the inauguration ceremony for the Shamans’ House of Knowledge.

Note: The Foundation is working to raise funds to continue to support the Baniwa Shamanic Revitalization. If you would like to make a gift to help Mandu and his people, please click here. On the “To” line, please enter “Baniwa Shamanic Revitalization.” THANK YOU!