The Second Life Tapirapé OOC Photo Blog
This Wednesday, everyone gathered at Mama Allpa where Bertha lives. Once we were together, the shaman said a prayer to the gods of chance, asking for luck and good spirits before we all bathed together.
There were many different games throughout the gathering, with plenty of laughter and some cursing as people tried their luck and tested their balance riding crocodiles and bulls. The gathering ended with dancing as Shui playing music for everyone in the sand.
Everyone gathered at Tapi camp before we made our way to Deep Drop. While we waited for all to arrive, Tasa was busy chasing birds and dogs around camp, keeping everyone entertained.
Once gathered, we went to the pond at Deep Drop, a place where a great seeker once lived. Whisper held a speech about the meaning of the place and followed it with a prayer to Mama Cocha, who was prominently displayed behind her.
When everyone was bathing in the pond, Batu hosted a trivia quiz for the group. Morgana won, with Sven close behind in second place. Then to end the gathering, we all danced together in the water while Shui played music, making it a lovely and lively Naked Wednesday by the pond.
At noon, everyone gathered in camp for a very muddy Naked Wednesday. Catten had spent the day mixing pure healing mud, which was waiting in big tubs for the tribe.
Elder Karto the Mudwalker began the ceremony by telling the story of Fango, the demigod of the mudwalkers. After that, everyone joined in the mud bath, covering themselves in the cool healing mud and praising Fango.
Welcome to our sacred Wednesday, a tradition founded by the gods themselves, showing it to our ancestors , even older than Bubbah, the living ancestor .
Leave all clothes here , as the gods bless you as you are and see you as you are
today , we wil have a dofferent way of cleaning our soulsbut first , i wanted to tell you , why we do that today
clears his throat ..i want to tell you a story
At a time , where the gods still walk between mortals , there was a small native village close to river banks.
The village was well known for their healers, and the young daughter of the chieftess , was the most gifted one, knowing all herbs and cures. And the village was happy and the chieftess very proud.
Once at dawn , dark thunderclouds raged with lightnings and roaring thunder on top of the nearby mountains and all Natives gathered in the chieftess hall for protection, during the whole dark night , raged the storm,
Despite their fears , and after lots of prayers ,in the morning , the sun went up again and the people continued with their daily duties .
The young chieftess Daughters duty guided her way to the River near the Village and the sandy banks , collecting fresh herbs , as she saw a body drifting half in water and laying half on the shoreline.
The body was dressed in shiny fabrics , she never saw before and his armor of best and hardest wood, decorated with shiny deep red rubies , and he still holds his night black, obsidian covered club in a tight grip.
he looked severly wounded
His eyes closed and no breathing was visible , so she hurried to him and started to examine Taking of his armor was difficult , but she managed it and placed it behind her , her hands on his skin ..to feel if still life was inside his body .
Deep wounds covering his skin, burned and torn flesh she saw, feeling no life anymore …just ..a slight spark was still inside him she felt with her heart.
loosing no time she moves his body , closer to the shore , covering it in leaves of herbs, starting to undress herself , as her hands shovel wet mud on his skin. The lively mud of a waterline , to cool his skin.
Picking maggots to place them on his open wounds to bite evil spirits away , as she learned from her Grandmother. She always said , living mud ..provides live :
She worked hard, with fast hands, her body also covered more and more in mud , as she catches leeches, maggots and others , to use it to heal him.
Her fingers wiggling in his wounds like little worms , crawling in his flesh , stroking his wounds , scratching itches away , like small maggots and giving him all power her young body could provide. After hours of her endless efforts , the managed to ignite the slight spark of life inside him with her own life source.
Feeling his overwhelming presence that slowly devours her soul ..mud, water ..and his energy slowly absorb her inner body, her soul , not strong enough, so she merged with him , her essences mixing up with the mud around and his mighty presence. Too late she recognized his godlike power taking her essence in.
aafter a while .She found herself in an endless void ..just the presence of that warrior close ..shining in a bright red Aura
His mighty voice thundering around her „you brought back Ekkekos son after his battle with thunder demons , you gave your life to save me …now we are like one, joining my sacred power ..joining your human flesh.
She was in fear and cried „I wanted to heal the Jungle , all living inside, and now I am dead and deep in Supays realms , lost in you and will fade away slowly unremembered „ as thick tears flowing down her cheeks .
The son of Ekkeko lifts her up and dried her tears „ you healed me with all your might,. with your soul itself you healed me with the powers of the river and mud , and all living there , you are the mud and all powers inside and so we will walk from now on the mundane earth sharing our powersI
I am Ekkekos son, a fierce powerful fighter . And you will walk as a healer covered in your powerful mud , and heal all around you forever…
What is your name ? He asks, ..the young girl stays silent , pondering about all happening ..as she finally replies… My name is Fango !
And so Fango the Mud goddess came into our world. Demigod and half human..surrounded by her healing tools, Mud .worshipped by maggots, worms and leeches . Frogs sing her song when she walks bye
Snakes curl in devotion, and where she walks ..all fell better …not cleaner, but better …
smiles looking at Catten ” that is thereason we honor today, Fango the mud godess with a mud bath ..
Goddess of all Moor bathes
bams ..the power of dirt my dear Elder …
raises his arms “Praise Fango ..goddess of mud healers “
Taupéicha!
Once everyone was properly muddy, Batu hosted a short trivia round which was won by Stella, before Shui brought out the drums and filled the camp with music. We ended the day dancing together in the mud, messy, happy, and not cleaner but definitely better.
Many tribe members and friends gathered to celebrate Kart’s initiation into the council of elders. It was a special day for him and for the whole tribe, with everyone coming together to honor his new place among the elders.
Whisper and Summer led the ceremony, welcoming Kart with blessings and kind words. After that, many people stepped forward to say nice things about him and to share why he is so valued in the tribe and by friends beyond it.
Summer claps her hands to get everyone’s attention, then lifts her voice so it carries across the camp “Tonight, the jungle watches and the spirits listen… The ancestors lean close and we gather not to raise a warrior. Not to crown a king. Not to place one above another. But we gather to honor one who has already walked beside us…One who has carried the tribe quietly and one who stayed when storms came. One who stood when others rested. Tonight, we call Kart to the sacred fire.”
Whispering Wind raises hands ” i will call now the spirits of witness”Whispering Wind: calls loud “Ancestors of Tapi, old spirits of vine and root, keepers of memory, watch this moment. We ask you to witnessand we ask you to guide and to place your blessing upon Karto. Let the jungle know his name and let the rivers remember his footsteps. Let the tribe know he walks now as Elder.”
Whispering Wind looks around to each tribe member and friends and says in an inquisitive tone” Why Karto deserves this honor?
Whispering Wind walks slowly around Kart. “Kart is chosen not because he demanded honor. Kart is chosen because honor followed him. He is reliable.and when Wednesday came, Kart came. When others were tired, Karto stood. When the Shamana walked with spirits or rested from heavy fumes in her head, Karto kept the fire alive.”
Whispering Wind smiles and looks around. “The tribe never stood empty. The stories never stopped and the circle was never forgotten. He carries creativity like a jungle bird carries song. and he sees paths where others see vines. Karto brings laughter where fear gathers and he tells stories that make us shiver, cringe, laugh, and remember.”
Whispering Wind: me points to the goats. “The goats know his smell. The mud knows his footsteps and Tasa the cat perks her ears with curious amusement whenever he speaks, as if she too waits to hear what story he will tell next.”
Whispering Wind opens arms. “The tribe and our Xoco sisters know his kindness. Karto has walked as scout and he knows the whispers between tribes and hears gossip carried on jungle wind. He understands people.”
Whispering Wind gestures toward Kart, one hand on her heart. “He is friendly and humorous. He is caring and loved. He is not Elder because he seeks power. He is Elder because he already carries responsibility.”looks up to the sky “The gods and ancestors trust him. And so, tonight, the tribe trusts him too.”
Whispering Wind: “karto now get prepared for the blessings”
Summer kneels down and takes some sacred mud in her hands and moves towards kart to place a mark upon is forehead …”This mud carries the paths you walked. It remembers every step. You are tied to tribe, to jungle, to memory.”
Summer then traces the mud upon his shoulders with quiet care …”These shoulders carry stories. These shoulders carry people. These shoulders carry responsibility.”
Summer finally presses mud over Kart’s heart, her touch steady and reverent… “This heart belongs to the tribe… May it remain kind… May it remain brave… May it remain open.” she says smiling towards him
Whispering Wind takes the jungle leaves into her hands and brushes them gently over Kart’s shoulders and arms. “Leaves carry the breath of the jungle. They whisper of growth, of patience, of seasons that return again and again.”
Whispering Wind: “these are leaves and seeds from the jungle”
Whispering Wind softly lets a few leaves fall around him. “May you bend without breaking. May you remain rooted even when winds change. May your wisdom grow like vines reaching toward the sun. May the tribe always find shade and comfort beneath your presence.”
Summer moves towards the bowl of jungle water and dips her fingers into it …moving once more closer to Kart she lets a few drops fall over Kart as she shakes her fingers over his head and torso. “Water cleans old paths… Water opens new paths…Water carries life… May your mind remain clear… May your wisdom grow… May your spirit stay balanced.”
Whispering Wind places both hands upon Kart’s shoulders. “By jungle and by ancestors…By spirits and by tribe… I bless you… From this night onward, you walk as Elder of the Tapi….May your stories continue.and may your laughter remain loud…. May your wisdom grow like roots beneath old trees.and may your footsteps always return home. The tribe sees you, the ancestors know you, and the jungle accepts you.”
Summer gestures toward the campfire ground where the small stones have been placed. “Each tribe member has placed a small stone on the campfire ground. Each stone represents something that the tribe sees in Kart “
Whispering Wind picks up a stone. “This represents trust.”
[12:19] Summer (summergentlewhisper) reaches down and picks up one of the small stones… “This represents memory.” she says lifting it up for all to see
Whispering Wind chooses another stone”This represents memory.”
Summer reaches to the same place and picks up another small stone in between her left fingers… “This represents respect.”
Whispering Wind: picks another stone “This represents friendship.”
Summer reaches over the pile of stones once more and picks up another one “This represents storyteller.”
Whispering Wind picks up a stone. “This represents shared responsibility.”
Summer draws another small stone from the ground into her hand…”This represents reliability.”
Whispering Wind: grabs another stone “This represents Keeper of Wednesdays.”
Summer reaches to the ground for the last time and lifts the final small stone into her hand… “And this represents Elder”
Summer smiles and jumps back up saying..”Now each person can come near hold a stone in hand and speak a short word about Kart.”
Khaing Zar: Kart, may the blessing of light be upon you, light on the outside and light on the inside. With Lord Inti’s sunlight shining on you, may your heart glow with warmth like a turf fire that welcomes friends and strangers alike. May the light of the Lord Inti shine from your eyes like a candle in the window, welcoming the weary traveller. You have the blessings of my tribe.
Goo: “Brothers, sisters, honored elders of the Tapirapé, Xocós, guests and spirits who listen from the trees and the river. I stand before you as
Goo, Xocó Xama, Elder and part time ambassador, sent by my people, but also guided here by something older: friendship.”
Goo: Today, we do not simply mark the passing of time. We witness the rising of a man into the circle of elders. A circle not drawn by age alone, but by wisdom, endurance, and the stories carried in the bones.Goo: Kart, my friend, I have known you not just as a scout or hunter, but as a man who listens … even when the forest whispers things others would rather not hear. Especially when those whispers have eight legs
Goo: Yes … let it be said here, before all. While others see spiders and step back, Kart leans closer. While others hear a rustle in the dark and think ‘danger’, Kart thinks, ‘ah … a good story is about to begin.’
Goo: And what stories you tell. Stories that make the children hide behind their mothers, and then peek out again, because they cannot resist. Stories that crawl under the skin, like the very creatures you admire. This … too … is wisdom.
Goo: Because an elder is not only one who comforts, but one who teaches others to face what frightens them, and maybe … even laugh at it.
Goo: And speaking of things that make others step back, Kart, you have mastered another rare art. While warriors sharpen their weapons, you … cover yourself in mud. Not just a little, no. You become the mud.
Goo: A spirit of earth, a walking riverbank. The insects flee. The people … also sometimes flee. But the forest? The forest recognizes one of its own.
Goo: This is not madness, this is strategy. And perhaps … a very effective way to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Goo: And then – there are the goats. Ah, the goats. I will not pretend I fully understand this sacred bond that all Tapirapé seem to share with these stubborn, noisy creatures. But I have seen Kart among them – calm, patient, almost speaking their language.
Goo: Maybe … that is the final test of an elder – to be respected not only by people, but by goats as well. If that is true – then Kart has long been ready.
Goo: My friend, you stand today not at the end of a path, but at the place where your path becomes guidance for others.
Goo: You will be watched.
Goo: You will be listened to.You will be asked for stories, for judgment, for strength.
Goo: And I know you will answer – with wisdom …
Goo: with laughter …
Goo: and perhaps … with a spider tale at exactly the wrong moment.
Goo: As a representative of the Xocós, I bring respect from my people.
Goo: As your friend, I bring something more simple – I’m proud of you.
Goo: May your steps remain steady, your stories grow ever stranger, your mud ever thick, and your goats … always cooperative.
Welcome, Kart – Elder of the Tapirapé. And feel the blessing of Lord Inti, god of sun.
Catten Carter: I’ll make this short, so we also have time for dancing… “, looks serious at Kart
Catten Carter: Kartooo… during your time in our tribe, a lot has happened, and there have been many memorable moments. Belleniko’s medical skills spring to mind, spiders, mud… you always manage to give us something new to talk about.
Catten Carter: First, you were a prospect, and you did that role well. You cleaned the pot more times than any other prospect. After that, you spent a long time as a scout. And now, you are an elder.Catten Carter: Honestly, it already feels like you fit the role of elder better than you ever fit the role of scout. I may have learned more about what happened in the jungle from our cat than from you, but whenever the tribe has needed you, you have been there.
Catten Carter: You have always stepped in, helped out, and shared your opinion on how the tribe should be run…. And that is very… elderly.
Catten Carter: Welcome to our little group. I’m excited for you to take a seat with us at the elder council.
Kwanita: “May the ancestors walk by your side,
may the forest recognize your voice,
and may your heart remain straight and strong.We honor you, Elder Kart.”
Sнū’i 신지 sets the drums to autoplay and steps forward, “I’d wish to say a few words, too, and, “he squints at Goo, “I will make it short”
Sнū’i 신지 giggles at the little gift from Tasa and eyes Kart, “I haven’t prepared anything, but let me say this…”
Sнū’i 신지: “You’ve always been a great friend.. you are reliable.. yes, you tease, but you support your tribe, you helped me more than you think, and you deserve to become an Elder today.. I am honored to know you and be your friend!”
Sнū’i 신지 bows to Kart, “Taupéicha”
Kart first of all Thanks to all Elders around , Whispering, Catten Summer, Kwanita and Bubbah,
Thank you my family , thank you all Xoco and thank you all friends for coming .Kart: May the gods bless our tribe you all, and be always with us
Kart: Never thought to be an Elder …Kart: Tapirape is my family, and I feel so very honored to support our tribe, on every occasion possible
I am blessed to have found such a place in the big Amazon jungle.
Such a family on Elders, Sisters and brothers …xerimbaos …and all belonging to usKart: I am blessed to have good friends also at other tribes , like chieftess Kyra from Tarayuna , Cookie and Goo , most loveliest Xamas of Xoxo , shui , Micke ..just to name a very few.
Kart: I found a home here, happiness , peace …and the best mud ever in Amazon..
Kart: I feel so proud and very happy to belong here , a place founded by our ancestors. A place made my home by our Elders and the whole family
Now it is my part to help to continue that good work.Kart: All I will be,
Kart: A hand supporting friends and family
A hand helpingKart: A hand hunting
A hand defending
A hand collectingKart: A hand comforting
Kart: A voice to speak for the weak
A Voice to speak for traditionsKart: A Voice for the wellbeing of our tribe
A voice speaking for Sisters and brothers and friendsKart: A voice Speaking for nature and all animals living there
A voice speaking for our alliesKart: A voice speaking for all , that are gone
Kart: A really Big thank you to all you have come giving such a great moment to me
Kart: Taupeicha !
[12:48] Jar Eel (jareelmoon): steps by goats, clears voice
[12:49] Jar Eel (jareelmoon): “A little song for Kart”
[12:49] Jar Eel (jareelmoon): That old Karto went wandrin out
One wet and rainy day
Upon a hill he rested
As he went along his way
When all at once a mighty herd
Of hungry goats he saw
Munchin’ through the ragged grass
And up a clouded drawTheir mouths were full and chewing
And their hooves all smeared with mud
Their horns were pointy twisty
And their goat breath made him numbA bolt of fear went through him
As they chewed their way along
For he saw the goats come munching hard
And he heard their constant BaaaaahTapirape oh
Tapirape ey
Goat tenders on the bayTheir faces tanned
Their eyes were bright
Their bare skin soaked with sweat
They’re working hard to feed that herd
But they ain’t fed ’em yet‘Cause they’ve got to work forever
In their village on the bay
To feed Goats always hungry
As they chew on, hear their cryAs the herders went on by him
He heard one call his name
If you wanna save our goats
From hunger and distressThen, Karto, change your ways today
And with us you will work
Trying to feed the goatie herd
Above the[12:49] Jar Eel (jareelmoon): Bloodbath Bay
Tapirape oh
Tapirape ey
Goat tenders on the bay
Goat tenders on the bay[12:50] Jar Eel (jareelmoon): Tapirape oh
Tapirape ey[12:51] Jar Eel (jareelmoon): bows to Elder Kart
[12:54] Jar Eel (jareelmoon): Goat Lullaby 🙂
This Naked Wednesday we gathered by the river, hosted by Mudwalker Kart with help from Kyra. Kart opened with a short reflection on how shared rituals and social activities help keep tribes connected, before we went to the water to bathe and clean ourselves.
While in the river, Micke and Batu hosted a quiz about genitals, which brought plenty of laughs. Sunisa and the Xocos clearly dominated that topic in knowledge. We ended the evening dancing our selves dry around the fire with Shui playing drums for us all.
This Naked Wednesday we began, as we often do, gathered in the camp. What started as a quiet moment together soon turned into spontaneous dancing, as the rhythm caught us and feet began to move almost on their own.
After a while we made our way to the water, where the Shaman offered a short prayer before we stepped in. Batu, taking a well deserved break from his Carnival contest duties, then hosted an Amazon quiz in the river. Sunisa claimed a clear victory, scoring 22 apples while we bathed.
With minds tested and spirits high, we returned to the fire. There, in the warmth of the flames, we danced ourselves dry in the circle, skin glowing in the firelight and movements settling into the steady rhythm of the evening.
This Naked Wednesday we gathered by the river for a special Carnival-themed ritual. The Shaman led us into the water and offered a prayer to Tupa, asking for protection, joy, and strong spirits as Carnival approaches.
The bathing area had been carefully fenced in to keep the piranhas at a safe distance, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the river without unexpected interruptions. Even Tasa ended up getting a proper bath, while Kart tried his best to hide behind the rocks and avoid the water.
While we bathed, Quira hosted a Carnival quiz, testing our knowledge and keeping the energy lively. After several good answers and close calls, Amaritz claimed the victory.
We ended the evening back in camp with dancing, as Catten played music for everyone on his newly acquired radio, closing another Naked Wednesday with rhythm and good company.
This Naked Wednesday began in the jungle clearing, where Catten welcomed everyone and gently gathered the group together. Before any games began, Whisper stepped forward to offer a prayer drawn from old jungle stories, reminding us why the sack race holds meaning beyond simple play.
In the old jungle stories, the spirits once complained that humans had become far too serious, walking everywhere with stiff legs and even stiffer pride, so Mama Cocha sent the flamingos to teach an important lesson: tie your legs together, hop like a confused bird, and remember that courage and laughter belong in the same heartbeat; the first sack race was born when brave villagers tried to cross the river while wobbling and falling over each other, and the spirits laughed so hard the waters grew calm and the stones stopped being slippery, blessing those who could keep moving even while looking completely ridiculous; since then, every hop is said to shake loose bad luck, every stumble feeds the spirits a good joke, and every racer who dares to wobble forward proves that true strength is not walking perfectly, but bouncing back up with a grin and continuing the journey together.
Mama Cocha, Great Mother of the Waters, today we come before your flowing spirit without bathing, not in disrespect but in joyful challenge as we gather for the sack race upon your wild and watchful river; we ask your blessing upon every brave soul who hops, stumbles, laughs, and dares to cross your currents, grant us steady feet, sharp skill, quick balance, and clear minds so we may face danger with respect and courage, guide our bodies around hidden stones and slippery paths, protect us from harm and foolish pride, and remind us that strength comes not only from victory but from laughter, humility, and unity; hold us safely in your waters, Mama Cocha, and let us return from this challenge stronger, wiser, and grateful for your living presence.
After the prayer, we moved into the Flamingo Sack Race itself. Racers hopped their way toward the finish line, one after another. Mitch was the fastest in the sack with a time of just 79 seconds, followed closely by Waneley, Whisper, Atan and Goo all finishing at 80 seconds, with Shui close behind at 81 seconds.
After the race, we stayed together in the clearing and turned the evening into a party. Shuichi played music while everyone danced, relaxed, and enjoyed the rest of the night together. We ended the event with dancing and conversation, wrapping up another Naked Wednesday in good spirits.
This Naked Wednesday began in the circle, where the Shaman asked everyone to share a single word that came to mind when thinking of Naked Wednesday. Many thoughtful and sincere answers came up, helping everyone settle into the moment together.
We then went to bathe, followed by the Shaman’s prayer as usual. A short interruption by piranhas added some excitement before we continued the evening back in camp.
Afterward, Quira, the tribe’s new quiz expert, led a jungle trivia with riddles themed around being naked in the jungle. We ended the night dancing together, with Shui playing the drums, closing another Naked Wednesday in true Tapi spirit.
This Wednesday the tribe and friends gathered in camp to open the year together, naked and relaxed as always.
The evening began when Catten rediscovered an old, giant, delicious mushroom, which made Whisper dance to celebrate.
Bubba then welcomed everyone and spoke a few words about beginnings, returning to the circle, and starting the year with intention.
Whispering Wind: “Tonight we return to the jungle as we were born … open, happy, and full of gratitude…. and stoned. Let your hearts laugh, let your bodies move, and let your spirits rise. This is our night of life, abundance, and… a little mischief!” looks around and points to Bubba, “Now our elder bubba will speak… listen to him as he is the wisest men in the jungle
Bubba Oh: *Ahenmmm*
Bubba Oh: “Inhabitants of the jungle! Friends, Tapirapé Citizens!”
Bubba Oh: “We are gathered here to praise and bring offerings to Tupä. God of thunder, God of rain – creator of man and our jungle!”
Bubba Oh: “We hope that he will bring us a bountiful year with good crops and plenty of babies! May they be healthy!”
Bubba Oh: “We pray that he will bring us unity among the natives, and peace!”
Bubba Oh: “Understanding between the white gringo culture and our culture – and shared prosperity for all!”
Bubba Oh: ¨He raises his hands
Bubba Oh: “On behalf of the elders and the people of the Tapirapé – I welcome you to this our first naked Wednesday of the year!”
The Shaman followed with a blessing, and each of us placed fruit on a blanket to invite good luck and abundance for the year ahead.
We then shared the first Wednesday bath of the year, before returning to camp to dance around the fire, initiating a new year of many Naked Wednesdays.
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