From the Field

01 Mar 2002

Indigenous natives of the Amazon utilize many different natural materials when making arrows and bows for hunting, clothes, dyes and other traditional utilitarian objects. Materials such as tree barks, seeds, feathers, natural dyes made from fruits and other sources, including mud. Native artisania has always been very popular among tourist who come to visit the rain forest. Although the export/import of artisania incorporating such things as harpy eagle feathers is prohibited in many countries, including Peru, tourist lodges are still demanding the use of these animal parts because they are considered "prettier" and have a greater "sales appeal". Isn't this the same attitude many people had regarding ivory?

We believe the traditions of the indigenous people should be allowed to remain the same as they have always been. Using Harpy eagle feathers and macaw feathers are a traditional necessity for maintaining a cultural heritage.

We encourage those individuals who are making artisania for tourists lodges to use other feathers and animal parts from domestic chickens, ducks and geese, and non endangered species and to refuse to sell traditional artisania that incorporates protected animal species parts.

Note: For many native community members, especially the elderly, making artisania for resale is the only source of income. Laws prohibiting hunting and the wholesale destruction of native lands by foreign and domestic mining and lumber companies have left few options for many communities.

"Tourism" provides an important source of revenue.

Help support native communities by buying native art. Make conscious consideration of all Nature's forest inhabitants. Respect indigenous spiritual customs.

Macaw feather traditional native head ornament.

Red/black huayruro seeds and harpy eagle feather are popular native art materials.

Geometrical symbols in Shipibo native art. Right: designs are painted on material with natural plant dye and mud. Left: design showing intricate hand work using colored thread.

Two fine examples of native cushma (dress) made from yanchama tree bark. Designs are hand painted onto the dress with seed and plant dyes.
left: Amahuaca symbols on cushma. right: Ese'eja symbols on cushma.