Caption
Illustration of tribal chief with Macaw (Ara sp.) feather ornaments. Early Lithographic print by Brodtmann, from Dr. Shinz, 'Naturgeschichte und Abbilldungen der Saugethiere' 1827/1840, with hand colouring. A 'Maxuruna' chief from a warrior tribe - on the Javari river in Brazil - as observed by Johan Baptiste Von Spix. The Maxaruna correspond to today's Matis indians - often called the 'jaguar people' because their adornments are said to resemble the whiskers of a Jaguar. This is reported to be not a central theme in their culture however. The nose and ear ornaments here are made from the wall of a large snail shell. Similar decoration is still worn by this disappearing tribe today.
Availability
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