Ep 18. Headshrinkers of the Amazon
- January 11, 2010
In this episode of National Geographic Documentaries from 2010, titled "Headshrinkers of the Amazon," viewers are taken on a journey deep into the rainforests of South America, where we meet the shrunken head hunters of the Amazon. The documentary explores the mysterious and gruesome tradition of the Jivaro people who practice headhunting and head shrinking.
The episode features stunning footage of the Amazon and its inhabitants, including various tribes and groups that call this vast, biodiverse region home. The focus, however, is on the Jivaro, a tribe that remains largely isolated from the outside world and has very little contact with modern civilization.
The documentary provides an in-depth look at the process of head shrinking, which involves removing the skull from the body and shrinking it using a combination of hot sand and boiling water. The process is incredibly intricate, and viewers get to see it play out firsthand.
The episode also delves into the cultural and historical significance of this tradition, which dates back centuries. The Jivaro believe that by shrinking their enemies' heads, they are able to harness their spirits and protect their own people from harm. The Jivaro also believe that the head shrinking process helps to avenge the deaths of their own people killed in battle.
Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the Jivaro way of life, including their customs, beliefs, and daily routines. We see them hunting and fishing for food, making clothes out of plant fibers and animal skins, and engaging in various rituals and ceremonies.
The documentary doesn't shy away from the violence and brutality involved in headhunting, but it also highlights the ways in which the practice has evolved over time. Today, head shrinking is illegal in most countries, including Ecuador where the Jivaro are located. However, some members of the tribe still practice the tradition, albeit in a modified form.
"Headshrinkers of the Amazon" is a fascinating and informative episode that offers a rare glimpse into a culture that is largely unknown to the rest of the world. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in anthropology, cultural history, and the wonders of the natural world.
