Face Paint of Amazon

Tribes
The tribes of the Amazon carry many of their traditional
practices into their lifestyle today, one of which is the use of
face paint

tribal face painting has held a range of meanings,

from camouflage whilst hunting to an artistic
expression, and has been used in many corners of the world

Amazonian tribes believe that it is the human ability to alter

ourselves into something else that inherently separates
us from other animals
 Often decorative purpose
used in everyday life or for special occasions
conveying something with the body
each design (and sometimes color as well) represents something wildly different
 Societal Ranking
denotes the achievement of a certain level within the
hierarchy of tribal society

markings clearly vary from younger members to elders

 Transformation
designs that ‘transform’ the wearer into an animal or mystical figure
such as a God

face paint to make the wearer look like a powerful jungle

animal such as a jaguar, intended to give the wearer the
strength and ability of the animal
Within tribes such as the Munduruki,

designs may not be meant to transfer powers, but simply

convey beautiful patterns found in
nature
 To Incite Fear
Matses tribe

to make the wearer appear fierce, and intends to frighten

outsiders
 For Ceremonies
Whether it is a feast, funeral, celebration, or religious ritual
neighboring villages are invited to take place, varied face paint can also
identify the different tribes.
To Reflect Mood
The Jarawa people of the
Andaman Islands