Spirit of the Huaorani: Lost Tribes of the Yasuni

For at least a thousand years, the Huaorani have lived in harmony with the environment, deep in Ecuador's Amazon rainforest. But that peaceful existence changed the moment they first made contact with the outside world. Now, as Indians, they are automatically relegated to the lowest social strata of Ecuadorian society; and even within that strata they come last, looked down upon for their nudity and victimized by sensationalistic newspaper headlines. In this powerful volume, the award-winning photographic team of Pete Oxford and Renee Bish document their plight. It is their unashamed attempt to reveal to the entire world the warm, gentle, and humorous spirit of the Huaorani. Led by an educated member of the tribe who had written a book on Huaorani mythology, Oxford and Bish enjoyed the rare opportunity to view the society through an insider's eyes. They gained privileged insight, and were able to capture candid and dignified moments with sensitivity, passion, and skill. Thanks to their work, embellished with well-chosen and illuminating quotations and history, we can finally see the faces of these fascinating people, often bright with laughter and smiles; watch them navigate the rivers and forests of their native land; and see the beauty of their way of life.