Yanomami People¹⁰,¹¹

Yanomami people, image copyright Fiona Watson, Survival International

In the Amazonian lands that belong to Venezuela and Brazil, there is a native tribe known as the Yanomami. Unlike the widespread contemporary view, the tribe is fully in tune with modern naturism ideals. Their culture, as within all indigenous native tribes, is vastly different from that of Western culture. This is mainly noticeable in their attire; due to their geographic location, clothing is not seen as a necessity, so they generally wear very little or nothing at all. However, they do wear amulets and facial paint (made from fruits and other natural ingredients) to identity them as part of their tribe, share a certain feeling, or for special occasions.

Their deep connection to nature and all its elements is reflected in their oral history, their language, and their overall way of life. From naming clans based on their location (like the base of a mountain), being able to coexist with different animal species, and being able to name and categorise different types of flora, the Yanomami have acquired invaluable knowledge based on a profound feeling of belonging to their natural surroundings.

The Yanomami are one of the few indigenous peoples that still live in Venezuela and Brazil, and whose cultural practices remain despite the many attempts made by modern societies to ‘civilize’ them. Though it is partly because of their isolated location within these countries, it is safe to say that their willingness to maintain their culture as it has been throughout history has also contributed.

¹⁰Pueblos Indígenas de Venezuela: Yanomami. 2008. Editorial Santillana, Caracas Venezuela

¹¹Anabel Flores Rengifo (2005) "Los Yanomami y su cosmovisión a través de Micros Radiofónicos". Universidad Central de Venezuela.