Yanomamo Dance of the Women

The Yanomamo are deep jungle Indians living in the Amazon basin in both Venezuela & Brazil & are believed to be the most primitive, culturally intact people in existence in the world. They are literally a stone age tribe with cultural characteristics dating back more than 8000 years. The women weave & decorate the baskets making both flat & 'burden' baskets. These baskets are dyed with a red berry called onoto that they also use to decorate their bodies in colorful, bold designs. They are also hunters & gatherers who tend small garden plots. They are one of the most successful groups in the Amazon rain forest to gain a superior balance & harmony with their environment. They are a beautiful people. My large fiber bowl represents the' Yanomamo Dance of the Women'. Wooden beads from Brazil decorate the top edge and also surround the lower part of this work in three different steps. I hand dyed this yarn to attempt to recreate the red from the onoto berries. Enjoy!