Two of the primary ways that we cultivate reciprocity with the Yawanawá are:
- Through regular study (in-person and online)
- Through the purchase of handmade items — rauti (ceremonial jewelry) and various other artisanal items
The exchanges we are able to give for both study and physical items create direct support to the people providing the services/goods, and through both of these avenues of reciprocity, we are blessed to establish relationships with the people who offer them.
Sam traveled to Aldeia Sagrada (the Sacred Village) in the winter of 2023-2024 to complete his first samakei (AKA dieta) in the Yawanawá tradition.
The total exchange offered for this samakei was $5000 (USD).
During his time in the village, Sam also made many profound connections with different members of the tribe, including several beautiful artisans.
We were able to compensate these artisans a total of $3,875 (USD).
For the artisans of the tribe, not only are their wares a means of making a living for themselves and their families, but they are also an intentional act of preservation for the Yawanawá culture — not everyone in the tribe is interested in keeping these traditions alive.
During this trip, Sam connected specifically with a family whose son had recently had his arm amputated due to a venomous snake bite, and $1,150 of the above-mentioned exchange went directly to this family for items they had made.
