Masquerades

Across much of the Amazon, masquerades are an important part of initiation and mourning ceremonies. Masks represent animal spirits, ancestors and mythic beings who brought about the order of the world.

Masquerades bring entire villages together in communal effort. People gather together, socialise, drink chicha or masoto (manioc beer) and gossip. All this maintains vital social ties, trade links and alliances.

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