ABSTRACT

This article, written by an author from the Tuyuka people, presents a vision of the Ama-zon territory as a tõkowiseri - a ceremonial house that makes life bubble. This vision is based on the millenary understandings of the Kumuánica, Bayaroánica and Yawánica cosmovivences, that is, the specialists (Kumua, Baya and Yaiwa) who look after the cosmic levels and all their inhabitants. The indigenous peoples and the Amazon as a liv-ing being maintain a relationship of mutual respect and interdependence. The beings of the forest, land, water and air are like their grandparents, brothers-in-law, cousins, brothers and nephews. It’s a cosmic family that encompasses many beings in continuous connection. The specialists of the north-western Amazon, when faced with any action that is going to affect the inhabitants of another house (forest, water, air...), ask for per-mission by performing ritual ceremonies in order to obtain fruit, fish, game and to offer protection, tranquillity, understanding and favours for the ceremonial feast.

KEYWORDS:
Tuyuka; Tõkowiseri; Ritual ceremonies; Amazonia; Cosmovivence