Uncontacted Amazon Tribe Is Photographed
by Jessica Root - Brooklyn, NY on 05.31.08
After my trip to Brazil’s Amazon, I was wary when I caught glimpse of Thursday’s released photos of uncontacted Amazon tribe members toting bow and arrow in hand. Having been on their native soil and learned about the importance of keeping their culture in tact, the catchy headlines and photos seemed to objectify the forest natives. During my research though, I came to realize that these photos were made public for a better reason than mere exploitation.
Brazil’s government officials and anthropologists released the photos to call attention to the tribe who faces great threat—disease, death or displacement—from illegal logging. Miriam Ross, a member of the Indian rights group Survival International says, "First contact is often completely catastrophic for "uncontacted" tribes. It's not unusual for 50 percent of the tribe to die in months after first contact. They don't generally have immunity to diseases common to outside society. Colds and flu that aren't usually fatal to us can completely wipe them out."
On Friday, Brazil’s Environmental Protection Agency reported having shut down 28 illegal sawmills in Acre state on the Brazil-Peru border, where this tribe and many others dwell. Brazil’s National Indian Foundation suspects there are 68 uncontacted tribes in Brazil with only 24 of those confirmed.
Despite Brazilian officials who say they are working to protect the groups and have seen tribal populations on the increase, threat from encroaching loggers becomes graver with every passing day. Hopefully, the release of these photos will draw some serious attention to the cause. Jose Carlos Meirelles, a coordinator of government efforts to protect uncontacted tribes for Brazil’s National Indian Foundation says, "We put the photos out because if things continue the way they are going, these people are going to disappear.”
To help the Amazon’s forest people, donate to Projeto Saude e Alegria, Survival International or at the very least, help spread the word. :: AP Press
See more Amazon-related news here:
Amazon Deforestation Speeds Up Once More
Amazon: Brazil Considers Extending Permits to Enter the Jungle
Marina Silva's Resignation to Brazil Environmental Ministry
Sales of Hybrid S.U.V.s Lower Than Expected
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The TH Interview: Chris Luebkeman, Director for Global Foresight and Innovation, Arup
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Based on what I have seen on other websites, there appears to be conflicting information as to whether this is actually an “uncontacted” tribe, with some even suggesting it to be a hoax (based on a famous case of the recent past). However, we may as well give them the benefit of the doubt for the time being.
In my opinion, the whole concept of “contacted” and “uncontacted” is biased to the point of being meaningless, in any case. Contact with whom (and from whose perspective)? Are we to believe that the design of their structures as well as, the bows and arrows, was completely independent of other humans? Then it is highly unlikely that they would be identical to the design used by tribes everywhere.
As long as those labelled as “uncontacted” have any form of contact with other tribes, they would be very much aware of the “modern” society. It is extremely difficult to believe that they were totally unaware prior to the fly-over photography session. The very reaction of defensiveness or defiance shown in some of the aerial photos almost proves that they are VERY aware of us (and what the implications of our “civilization” are for their traditions, life expectancy and forest resources).
As much as I can't wrap my head around being an "uncontacted" person - this is how much these tribes need to be preserved.
The loggers must be furious. First it was the spotted owls, now this. Those damn treehuggers! ;)
It depresses me that in my lifetime I will most likely witness the end of the existence of tribes such as these "uncontacted" Amazon tribes.
This post perfectly exemplifies the struggle between what Daniel Quinn refers to as "the leavers" and "the takers".
I have very little hope that these photos will do much to save these amazing people.
it's fantastic after all we assume we know, that there are still uncontacted tribes, not only surviving, but living!
Wow! How can they live without MTV!!!
All sarcasm aside, it is amazing that there are still regions and groups of people that still to this day look up at the sky and need to come up with an explaination for the large flying thing over head.
If only we could interview them and get their take on everything without ruining their perspective on the world and their existance.
maybe they can start their own show on green planet, and show us how things are suppose to be done..;) all fun aside though be these fake or real pictures, at least it brings the issue to the surface that modern man has been very invasive and should be rechecking their priorities..
This is interesting, it seems like a re-enactment of the Europeans coming to the American continent and discovering natives just to kill them all. Are we advanced enough to keep them from being extinct?
Our reasons doesn't seem to be different after five centuries: some people want to use their land to get richer, and tey will succeed due to foreign diseases and more advanced technology.
Let's hope the entire world and the local authorities can stop loggers to get even close to this old culture. Now is the time we'll see if we could do it better than our ancestors.
Treehuggers in danger!
Wow.. What if it's just a group of people that decided to ditch civilization and started a tribe? If I knew nothing of civilization and saw a helicopter, I might think it was a weird bug or strange animal. Possibly something "god-like." The fact that they saw it as enough of a threat to put war paint on, tells me they aren't just hunting.. They're defending their territory from other people. Tribes don't usually go to war with animals and something tells me they might chose a different color paint for worship. I don't think it's either. They're standing around looking at it. Not hiding. If they thought it was evil, they would be more likely to hide. The red paint indicates they want to be seen. There's only like 2 guys with bow and arrows. I think they know about us. Hence, They've been "contacted." Plus, it looks small. Not thriving, for the age. Look how fast towns grow in just a decade. Then again, maybe there's something to be said for population control without medication. With or without disease, childbirth alone can be lethal. And what does it mean when people say they fear they'll become extinct? They're human beings, not a rare species of animal. Anyone can move into the jungle. I'm not saying it's impossible for this to be one of the last remaining uncontacted tribes. Just adding some thoughts.