People of the Rain Forest

Paper Summary:

This paper summarizes lives of the Jivaro (Shuar) tribe which was once revered for their fierceness and head-shrinking rituals. The paper states that the Jivaro tribe is being forced from their lands and further into the jungle by white civilization. The author feels that the Jivaro tribe is in a more positive position because they have an incredible knowledge of the anti-cancerous plants that grow in the rain forests.

Table of Contents
The Jivaro
The Region and Language
A Patrilineal Society
Life in One House
Survival
Craftsmanship
Head Hunters
Religious System
Marriage, Birth and Death
Saving Their Culture
The Jivaro Today
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The Jivaro's, who prefer to be called Shuar Indians, are caught between the cultures of the past and the encroaching modern civilization. Some of the problems they are dealing with on a daily basis include deciding whether "a new, paved road to the outside world" will help the tribe or destroy them. The tribe feels roads would enable them to take their cattle of market and buy needed supplies but are concerned because the roads bring white men who destroy the jungle."

More papers on People of the Rain Forest:

• Essay # 39382 : "Destroying the Rain Forests"
• Essay # 29135 : "The Amazon Rain Forest"
• Essay # 12217 : "Road Through The Rain Forest" by David M Hayano"

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