In April and May of 2023, the USP Indigenous Network  welcomed the Fulni-ô people for two special events. The first activity took place on April 19th, the National Day of Indigenous Peoples, at the Indigenous Cultures House, also known as Opy’i (a sacred space for prayer and gatherings in Guarani culture), at IPUSP.

The Fulni-ô are an Indigenous people from the northeast of Brazil, specifically from the state of Pernambuco. They are the only Indigenous group in that region that has managed to preserve their ancestral language — Yaathe.

During the first activity, the Fulni-ô offered handcrafted items for sale and organized a gathering featuring songs and conversation. Present that day were members of the Fulni-ô people — Taunai, Herdlys, Tawan, and Tayke — who led the activity and actively engaged with everyone who passed by or entered the Opy’i, inviting them to participate. During the singing, some participants were invited into the center of the circle to contribute and dance through movements that emphasized balance and body awareness.

Later that same day, they held a conversation circle to share their life stories and cultural history. They also presented their project of visiting São Paulo city and towns in the interior of the state, with the aim of disseminating their culture, especially in schools. They mentioned having conducted activities in various schools in the capital and also visiting rural towns, where they discussed traditional medicine and cultural ceremonies.

The second visit from the Fulni-ô took place on May 4th, once again at the Opy’i. This time, the activity was a circle of traditional knowledge and practices of care and healing, combined with traditional songs and dances.

The Fulni-ô shared different elements of their culture, explaining techniques used for healing and care. They spoke about the use of sacred herbs, such as cleansing herbs, jurema (a sacred plant), and rapé (a traditional snuff).

There was also a moment dedicated to healing practices, where the Fulni-ô explained how the sacred is present in their culture, and how the preparation and use of medicinal plants require great care. Only the most spiritually prepared individuals in the village are responsible for handling and preparing these medicines.

Finally, on this second day, there was also the sale of handcrafted items, such as pens, bows and arrows made by the Fulni-ô themselves.

The Indigenous Culture House at USP regularly organizes public events and is continually working to welcome the diversity of indigenous peoples. Stay tuned to our communication channels and social medias for updates on upcoming events.

Fotos de Leandro Karaí Mirim

Foto de Leandro Karaí Mirim