Shuar of Ecuador film | Smithsonian Institution

Object Details

Citation: Shuar of Ecuador film, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution

Processing Information: Titles are supplied by the archivist for untitled films.

Scope and Contents: Footage taken among the Shuar (Jivaro) Indians near the confluence of the Zamora and Nangarisa rivers north of Loja, province of Zamora Chinchipe, southern Ecuador. Footage includes: prospecting party on horseback in the foothills north of Loja; aerial shots over the mountains; contact scenes between prospectors and Shuar; posed shots of adults and children around Shuar communal houses; Shuar men building a large communal house (setting posts, climbing posts, and lashing crossmembers with lianas); woman making a clay pot by coil method; women making and distributing nijimanche (fermented yucca beer); taking meals; women with lip plugs and men in feathered headdresses; river scenes including swimming and bathing; Shuar and prospectors in dugout canoes; prospectors and Shuar at each others' encampments; and Shuar men with rifles and other evidence of cultural contact. Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Restrictions: The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.