— In December 2014, we spent a few days exploring the Amazon region in northern Brazil. We visited the capital city of the state of Amazonas, Manaus, and its luxurious Opera House. We also navigated the Amazon River to see nearby wildlife, such as the friendly pink dolphins, the Amazon squirrel monkey, sloths, and snakes.
Nothing, however, compared to the afternoon we spent with the indigenous community of Dessana (or Desana) in the middle of the Amazon River. These native Brazilians were friendly and eager to share their culture and life. We learned about their lives and their struggles in keeping their culture alive as the world progresses around them. They embraced us warmly and taught us a bit about themselves. We even danced with them.
As the chief explained to us, whenever they have visitors in their community, they welcome them with celebrations that last a whole day. Since our small group was there only an afternoon, the celebrations were short to give us an idea of what they do for visitors. It was one of those unforgettable experiences that will stay with us all our lives.
The following photos show their home, or “maloca.” This open structure is where meetings and celebrations take place. It is also where a family or more families live together.
In the next photo, you can even see a couple of hammocks used for sleeping.
Rupali
Wonderful share and an interesting post, Egidio. Those huts and surrounding looks so beautiful.
Egídio Leitão
Rupali, thank you for your kind words. Yes, the entire area was very beautiful.
Amy
What an adventure, Egidio! Thank you for introducing the culture through your beautiful photos.
Egídio Leitão
Indeed it was. We found it fascinating. Thanks for the comment.
nesfelicio
This is such an amazing encounter. Thanks for sharing.
I also hope they and their culture will survive.
Egídio Leitão
Nes, thank you so much for the feedback. I’m glad you liked the post. Let’s keep our fingers crossed their culture will survive.
Tales From My Lens
How lucky you are to experience this! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed it😁
Egídio Leitão
Kathleen, we were very lucky indeed. It was a memorable experience. Thank you for your feedback.
Writing to Freedom
Nice photos Egidio. That sounds like a wonderful and enriching experience.
Egídio Leitão
Brad, thank you for the feedback. I appreciated it.
Writing to Freedom
You’re most welcome.
margaret21
How fascinating. What language did you communicate in? And did you sense that this is a really living culture that can survive ongoing contact with the modern world?
Egídio Leitão
They were speaking in Portuguese with us. Yes, we felt this was all authentic. They send their kids to school and continue to spread their culture at home. I hope they’ll survive. Time will tell. Thanks for your comment. I appreciated it.
margaret21
It was such an interesting post!
Egídio Leitão
Many thanks, Margaret.
philosophy through photography
Beautiful narration!
I adore this Dessana tribe, their culture, and how they treat visitors.
Interesting article with those links.
Excellent clicks to help us better understand the culture.
Thanks, Egídio.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Philo, for your thoughtful feedback and comment. I appreciated it.
philosophy through photography
You are welcome, my friend.
Rebecca Cuningham
Thank you for this window on the Desana. It sounds like tourism revenue may allow them to continue living in their traditional ways. I hope they can preserve their language and culture always.
Egídio Leitão
Rebecca, many thanks for your feedback. Somehow, they are keeping their culture intact and yet allowing some income from tourism. So far, so good. Let’s hope it continues that way.