Initiation Into The Amazon

This study analyzes the Yuruparي myth and ritual of initiation the Yucuna Indians in the Amazon region of Colombia. The book will address the meaning of the Yuruparي myth and ritual to the Yucuna people. The sources for this study include data gathered through observation in the Yucuna initiation ritual, interviews, and the study of primary and secondary documentary sources. To address the problem I will present: 1) the geographical and cultural context of the Yucuna Indians in the Amazon in general, and in the Colombian region of the Amazon; 2) characteristics of Yucuna society and culture focused on forms of subsistence, social structure, and mythical system; 3) the Yuruparي myth; 4) and the Yuruparي rites of initiation.