The Second Life Tapirapé OOC Photo Blog
Today, we cooked with the tribe, thanks to Whisper and Kwanita’s organization. Although there weren’t many of us, it was a cozy gathering filled with gossip and recipe exchanges. Afterwards, we attended a party with the Xoco, who were celebrating Trish’s initiation.
Today, we celebrated Naked Wednesday at Love Temple, a place that, according to the shamans’ rituals, holds significant healing and sexual energies. Summer had decorated the place beautifully, and many people came to bathe with the tribe. Overall, it was a great Wednesday.
Today, we came together to celebrate the initiation of August and Haven into our tribe. Our sacred ritual site was again made beautifully and festive by Summer. Bubba held a speech for the two initiates speaking of the tribe being like a river. Then, Shaman Whisper, assisted by Summer, performed the initiation ceremony, and Kwanita held a finishing speech to conclude the event.
Bubba: “Hear me O Tapis!”
Bubba: “The river is the jungle, the jungle is the river – the river and jungle are one!”
Bubba: “So is our tribe a river, a river that flows through time”
Bubba: “It flows from our ancestors, those who are no more, it flows with their wisdom through us”
Bubba: “And it flows through us to our children”
Bubba: “A Tapirapé initiate is like a child, that comes of age”
Bubba: “Your initiation ceremony shows the jungle, that you are now part of the river, that is our tribe!”
Bubba: “It is your crowning achievement – and you shall indeed be crowned today!”
Bubba: “Know – that you are part of a long tradition, that stretches back to Dalla who founded this village on the river here”
Bubba: “It flows through Butterfly, and #Eva and her many daughters”
Bubba: “Now you two too are part of that river!”
Bubba: “Rejoice Jungle – for you have gained a pair of capable women – whose equals are none!”
Bubba: “Taupichá I say taupichá for this initiation!”
Bubba Pauses and looks out over the small crowd very very satisfied with himself.
KWANITA: looks around, then at the young tapirapé, with his feathers and smiles at them and begins to speak in a loud voice.
KWANITA: “Years ago, our ancestors created in this jungle, and our tribe “Tapirapé”, which is the oldest tribe in the jungle, was conceived with the idea of freedom, and a spiritual life and rituals and to help our loved ones and allies”
KWANITA: “Today, new Tapirapé, it is thanks to your efforts, your dedication and your commitment to our tribe that we can continue the unfinished work of our ancestors, with the will to protect and promote our people.”
KWANITA: “remember, whenever you wonder how far you can go. remember the path you have traveled, what you have faced, your battles won and all the fears you have overcome.”
KWANITA: “Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable” smiles at everyone
KWANITA: “I am proud of you, new tapirape congratulations”
KWANITA: Taupéicha!
Today, we came together to celebrate the initiation of Alaya, Mikhael, Nuk, Toxo, and Yakirin into our tribe. Our sacred ritual site was made beautifully and festive by the gifts of Elder Summer. Tapis and friends from all around gathered to join in the celebration, hearts full of joy. As tradition holds, Bubba took center stage, offering a welcoming speech to our new Brothers and Sisters, marking the beginning of their journey with us, and then Shaman Whisper, assisted by Atan, performed the initiation ceremony.
Bubba: “Tapirapé people! Elders of the tribe!”
Bubba: “We are gathered here for a very joyous occasion – our tribe grows”
Bubba: Coughs, “We are gathered here for a very joyous occasion – our tribe grows”
Bubba: “Not only from our women’s wombs – but natives from all along the river!”
Bubba: “We – the Tapirapé people are honored to welcome these fine prospects into our tribe!”
Bubba: “They have spent time here, and learned our ways – we could not be happier or ask for more!”
Bubba: “I know that you will all be fine additions to our people! That you shall populate the Tapi lands with new strong children and tend our fields and goats”
Bubba: “Know that you are becoming part of one of the jungle’s oldest and most storied tribes!”
Bubba: “Taupeicha! I say”
This Wednesday we just had a small celebration since many were busy elsewhere. Sometimes it’s cosy when you just at home and not that many. The day ended in dancing around the fireplace, so all in all a really nice Wednesday.
Today, we gathered to honor the memory of our beloved brother, Adam. Whisper and Summer organized a beautiful ceremony, and afterwards, everyone shared heartfelt memories and stories of our dear borther.
He will be greatly missed. Goodbye Brother.
The Tapi has won the Amazon Diá de Muertos Camp Decoration Contest! Summer did an incredible job decorating the camp once again this year, leading to a well-deserved victory. Congratulations to Summer, and thank you!
This Wednesday, the tribe and friends gathered to celebrate Día de Muertos Naked Wednesday. Summer first cleansed everyone with smudge, and then Whisper told everyone about the dead bird Poco, Canijo the dead pussycat, Loco the dead uncle, and Gourdita the dead aunt and how they can help us remember our ancestors so they don’t fade away. Then we went searching for them and finally got painted with body paints featuring their images.
This Thursday, we had storytelling at the Tapi Camp. Because we are so close to Dia de Muertos, the theme was scary stories. Even though not all the stories followed the theme, there were several that were quite frightening—and some were even downright disturbing!
The first story was a poem from Kailo. A poetic depiction titled “DAWN,” focusing on the transition from night to day.
The second story was from Oscar. It was a lighthearted tale about “Mama Surfarosa,” a lesser-known Incan sea goddess who represents the ancient practice of surfing.
The 3rd story was a scary story from Catten about the “Morte Yára,” an ominous tree near their camp believed to drain the life from men.
The 4th story was from Tiny, quite opposite the theme it was a heartfelt anecdote about finding and belonging to a community,
The 5th story was from Kart. It was a disturbing and quite unsettling account of a man who encounters a strange lump, leading to a grisly discovery involving countless spiders.
The 6th story was from Diana. A thoughtful reflection on the worth of seemingly insignificant things once touched by a master, illustrated through the auction of a battered violin.
The 7th story was from Mefisto. A suspenseful legend from the Amazon about a sacred lagoon where the spirits of the jungle reside, and the dire consequences for those who disturb their peace.
The 8th story was from Cheif Mike. The tragic and haunting story of “La Llorona”
The 9th story was from Chieftess Khaing. An ancient Indian folklore of King Vikramaditya and the ghost Betaal, who tells him various moral tales.
The 10th story was from Sara. It was a cautionary tale from across the seas about a girl unknowingly consorting with a demon.
The last story was from Whisper, an eerie saga of “Caxiríka,” a ghostly head that brings misfortune to those who encounter it in the night.
This Wednesday, the shaman had the men perform the Vitality Dance for the women of the tribe. There was a lot of dancing, shaking, and gyrating, all to please the women and gain their favor. After the dance, both men and women felt the need for a cool bath in the river and then we ended the day dancing around the campfire.
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