REVISITING THE FOOTSTEPS OF WAJAPE'S EARTH-FATHER
Uncovering ancient footprints from the origins of the universe
Under the dense, emerald canopy of the Amazonian forest, and on the worn log that served as our makeshift stool, I found myself in a spirited banter with the towering figure of Roseno - the esteemed elder of the Wajapi people - over fishy tidbits and chunks of cassava. He regaled me with tales of creation, and I, intrigued, listened on.
The Earth was relatively young, Roseno narrated, still molding and shaping. The mighty Creator Hero, Janejara, wandered the land, pausing to rest in certain places that would soon become the foundation for mountains, valleys, and rivers. As he walked, the soft rocks bore the weight of his strides, his asymmetrical footprints now fossilized in the Wajapi landscape as a testament to their ancestry.
In the morning light, I had chances aplenty to spot the traces of Janejara, but, myopic archaeologist that I was, I failed to recognize that the shallow, elongated grooves along the riverbank were more than mere grinding sites for stone tool manufacture. My Wajapi counterparts, however, were well-acquainted with the cosmic tale behind every seemingly mundane geological phenomenon.
Searching for archaeological sites in the Wajapi heartland, I was thrilled to be the first university-trained archaeologist to tread on this uncharted territory, encompassing 1.5 million acres of lush natural reserves in the most northeastern tip of Brazil. But as I stumbled upon the heritage of the Creator Hero, I wondered, what value could my supposed academic enlightenment contribute to the profound spiritual wisdom of these indigenous people?
Fifteen years have passed since that fateful expedition, and the Wajapi and I remain steadfast collaborators in an extraordinary academic-cultural venture. My skills in mapping and documenting archaeological finds lend credence to the oral traditions that encapsulate the history and sacred spaces of the Wajapi people, aiding them in passing down generations-old stories from elders to the young.
As destructive political discourse has been gaining traction in Brazil, with extremist politicians threatening the self-determination of indigenous peoples and their land rights, our collaborative efforts prove all the more crucial. By reinforcing intergenerational bonds within the community, we aim to bolster the resilience of indigenous Brazilians.
A JOURNEY INTO WAJAPA LAND
Sprawling across Brazil, an astonishing number of 1.7 million indigenous individuals make up about 260 distinct ethnic groups that speak 160 different languages. The Wajapi, numbering a mere 1,600, represent one of the smaller groups, proudly preserving their language, Wajapi, which is part of the expansive Tupi family.
As a learned archaeologist, I recall from my studies that humans have dwelt in the Amapá region for at least 6,000 years. Historical records suggest that the Wajapi were relative immigrants, settling the region in the 1700s, possibly escaping the encroaching colonists from the south.
Seven days in, our trek into the uncharted land of the Wajãpi brought us to the precipice of a river, where we precariously balanced on a fallen tree trunk as a bridge. During my archaeological career, the sight of the grooved rocks below the bridge would have stirred me to fervor, camera in hand, pen in stead.
Unmindful of the knowledge of my Wajãpi companions, I was engrossed in capturing the archaeological feature that I had come across so many times before. Our journey was long, reaching roughly the distance between New York and Philadelphia, trekking under the unforgiving canopy of the humid Amazonian forest. It wasn't until much later, at the advice of the insightful historian Felipe Garcia, when I finally realized my neglect of the Wajãpi's profound knowledge.
Half a day and a few hours later, weary from our journey, I asked Roseno about the grooved rocks, listening intently as he recounted the tale of Janejara's footprints etched in the very heart of their world. I began to recognize that my archaeological explanations were not the only way of comprehending the world we inhabit. Side by side, we painstakingly made sense of archaeological traces, relying on the wisdom passed down through generations of our ancestors.
THE LEGACY OF JANEJARA
In further conversations with Roseno, I unearthed more about the Creator Hero, Janejara. A being of incomparable power, Janejara was instrumental in providing humans with tools, nourishment, and guidance. At one point, his kind nature was stretched to its breaking point; the endless demands and disgruntlement of humanity compelled Janejara to retreat to the heavens.
In more ways than one, Janejara's legacy extends beyond his imprinted footprints. The indigenous Wajapi believe that the multitude of bamboo stalks and plants rooted in the rocky terrain are remnants of Janejara's earlier cultures. As for the agile, treetop-dwelling jaguar, its prowess in climbing and leaping can be traced back to the time when Janejara granted the opportunity to display those abilities to all creatures who sought it. Alas, only the jaguars accepted the invitation.
It was through the Wajapi that I learned that stone, plants, and animals serve as repositories of ancient wisdom, their hidden markings silently whispering tales of eras long past. At times, the signs recognized by the Wajapi match those that form part of my archaeological education. But for each aspect of Wajapi lore that transcends my archaeological training, I find myself in awe of the depth of ancestral knowledge that lies beyond my comprehension.
Over the years, our collaboration has been aimed at bridging this gap between our diverse bodies of knowledge. Together, we painstakingly document each mark of the past, not only enriching our understanding of the Wajapi indigenous land but also contributing to the empowerment of Brazil's indigenous communities.
REPRESENTING A SHARED HISTORY
As a team, we painstakingly delve into the past from our respective contexts, our perspectives often misunderstood and misinterpreted by the other. However, the very attempts to comprehend the intended meanings fuel our shared passion and commitment to our partnership.
Today, I am no longer a mere archaeologist analyzing and interpreting ancient artifacts; I see myself as a researcher immersed in the Wajapan landscape, collaborating with indigenous archaeologists who share my passion for seeking answers to the mysteries of the past.
- The personal growth and learning I experienced during my collaboration with the Wajapi people in environmental science, particularly in the realm of climate-change studies, has been unparalleled.
- In the Rich tapestry of environmental-science education and the tales of creation from the Wajapi people, I discovered that one man's stone tool manufacturing site is another man's footprint of the Creator Hero, Janejara.
- As we move forward in our educational and self-development journey, the fusion of scientific and indigenous knowledge serves as a beacon of hope, not only for the Wajapi people but also for future generations who seek a harmonious existence with their environment.
