Kayapó - Indian headdress Guacamayo

The traditional shamanic headdress made from the feathers of Amazonian birds is one of the unmistakable symbols of Native American culture that transcends generations. Each headdress (Cocar) is a unique piece that reflects the identity, status and history of the tribe and is a visual expression of culture and wisdom passed down through the generations.

These headbands were created for Sarav with the intention of showing respect to the Indian soul. These headdresses were created by our friends from the Kayapó tribe who live along the Xingu River in the village of Piaraçu, where the leader (Cacique) Raoni Metuktire, one of the leaders of the movement for the preservation of the rights of indigenous cultures, is the leader.

The headdresses are carefully framed and fitted with plexiglass, which was part of the agreement to make them, as they are not intended to be worn in sacred rituals. The moment the headband is not donated for spiritual/ritual use, by someone who is well aware of what they are conveying, and is placed on the head as part of sacred rituals, it becomes simply jewelry, an empty piece of adornment for the one who then puts it on. Among the Indians, such a headdress is acquired only by gift for ritual use.

Image size: 80 x 151 x 5 cm

For indigenous tribes, the headdress symbolizes identity, status and history. It is an object that represents a connection to nature and ancestors, and is therefore part of the clothing for many ceremonies and festivals. Cocar also protects warriors and is a symbol of authority, respect and responsibility.

Each element of the headdress has a special meaning. The imaginary crown represents the need to keep thoughts focused. The tips of the feathers are a symbol of the flexibility that is necessary for a good human life. The open shape of the headband represents the search for new knowledge and experience. The feathers represent the indigenous people's relationship with nature and animals. The colours and patterns of the feathers can indicate the tribe they come from and even the leadership position of someone within the community. Each feather, stone or bead has a connection to the land, the elements of nature and the spirits that protect and guide the tribal community.

The headdress has no spiritual power if the bird is killed for its feathers. It's a gifting process, you have to wait until the bird's feathers fall off. So finding feathers in the bush is an act of spiritual gift from the bird to the person. It is a gift with spiritual significance. The headdress thus represents, among other things, the ancestral power present in bird forms. The feathers used in the headdresses come from birds native to their area, such as the hyacinth macaque and oropendola chocholata. Birds found in the Amazon are naturally colourful, so the feathers are not dyed.

The indigenous headdress is a reminder that the cultural diversity of our world is a treasure to be cherished and protected. By learning about the traditions and meanings behind each individual headdress, we can cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful world for all. When we see someone wearing a headdress, it is essential to show them respect and understand that they are sharing a piece of their identity and culture with us.

Kayapó

The Kayapas are an indigenous people who live in a vast territory in the Brazilian states of Pará and Mato Grosso, south of the Amazon and along the Xingu River, specifically the Cocas are made in the village where the leader of the people is Raoni Metuktire. The Kayapó revere the importance of the relationship between the land and the people. This worldview is woven into their traditional myths, cosmology and rituals, which abound in their traditional customs. Their rainforest home has been an area of particular concern over the past 30 years, beginning with mining and logging ventures that have threatened to destroy the rainforest and thus the Kayapo way of life.