A Brazilian Modeling Superstar Makes a Life-Changing Journey Into the Amazon
Courtesy of ALine Weber1/11Going from Canarana to Alto do Xingu was 6 hours by a small boat that could only fit around 10 people. I brought my own life vest as I knew there was going to be a boat trip. I can swim a little, but I wanted to be extra safe as I didn’t know what to expect. I ended up being one of the only people with a life vest in the boat, which was a little funny, but I was happy I had one.
Courtesy of ALine Weber2/11After a few minutes on the boat, I was amazed. The view was just breathtaking—one of the most beautiful I’d ever seen in my life. The fauna and flora on the river, the sun touching the water. I felt like I was in paradise or going to a magical unknown place. On the way to the village, I saw two capybaras running and jumping to the river, and so many different types of birds.
Courtesy of ALine Weber3/11After traveling for between 40 to 50 hours, (I lost count) I was there. I arrived at Alto do Xingu in the Amaru indigenous village. I was so happy, words can’t describe it. I was ready to start my experience, to get to know the culture, to meet new people, and [try] new food.
Courtesy of ALine Weber4/11Once I entered the oca, there was the pajé, the spiritual healer and leader of the Amaru village. He walked my way with a big smile that already made me feel less nervous and welcomed me. He said “hi” very softly and that he was happy I was there. His wife was also very smiley and welcoming. Pajé is a simple man of about 70 years old and incredibly humble. That night I sat with him and his entire family—kids, grandkid—and my group around the fire pit, and he started to tell stories.
Courtesy of ALine Weber5/11Later on in the afternoon, I went down to the river to see the men from the village do arranhacao or scratching, which is a ritual they do before the huca-huca fight. Scratching, in their culture, is to make them stronger and to clean energy. It prevents them from feeling tired during the match, and after the scratching, tunuli, or the doctor of plants (raizeiro), of the village comes with a combination of roots to be applied on top of the scratches. His wife helps to hand over the roots to Pajé Kami, who is in charge of applying the roots on the fighters. The instrument they use to scratch is made out of cachorra teeth.
