Eskawatã Kayawai

Eskawata Kayawai is centered around the Huni Kuin indigenous people, self-identified as the “guardians of the Brazilian Amazon,“ and their remarkable journey of cultural revival. Their community, Novo Futuro (“New Future“), was built as a bold act of hope, a village constructed from the ashes of a tragic past, and named to reflect their powerful optimism for what lies ahead. This series captures their ongoing efforts to reconnect with their heritage, reclaim their language, and preserve ancient traditions after centuries of colonial violence and cultural suppression.
Today, the Huni Kuin people stand at a cultural zenith, experiencing a revival of their culture and tradition. Their journey is marked by resistance and the reconstruction of their ancestral culture—a testament to their resilience and fortitude from the heart of the Amazon. They are a living example that it is possible to make the necessary changes to live in harmony once again.
This project is more than just a photographic series, it’s a testament to the strength, bravery, and optimism of a community that is not only surviving but redefining their future while staying deeply rooted in their origins.