Ganketapare Stories
Story of our grandparents
Mencay Daniela Ahua
In Ogicamo’s home, she collects leaves from a type of palm tree called chambira. She separates the plant fibers so she can cook and dry them in the sun. When they are dry, she makes chambira thread and dyes it to makechigras (bags), jewelry, and hammocks. This process is a cherished cultural tradition passed down from our grandparents to preserve our culture in Yasuní
Yeti of the jungle
Ñehua Moises Ahua
In the jungle near my home, my older brother Yeti Ahua eats breakfast, drinks chicha (a fermented drink made from cassava root), and leaves our home to go hunt animals and fish. While he is out, he finds insects, sees a monkey, and collects bananas before returning home in the afternoon. Yeti grew up in the tropical jungle and has extensive knowledge of the area; he can walk through the jungle without getting lost. This knowledge has always been an important part of the Waorani culture.
Yeti of the jungle
Ñehua Moises Ahua
In the jungle near my home, my older brother Yeti Ahua eats breakfast, drinks chicha (a fermented drink made from cassava root), and leaves our home to go hunt animals and fish. While he is out, he finds insects, sees a monkey, and collects bananas before returning home in the afternoon. Yeti grew up in the tropical jungle and has extensive knowledge of the area; he can walk through the jungle without getting lost. This knowledge has always been an important part of the Waorani culture.
The revolution
Yeti Byron Ahua
The Guiyero community celebrates the end of the school year. One student, Nemo Anabel Alvarado, is graduating from grade school. She performs the customary flag oath ceremony with her sister, Bove Renata Alvarado, and her cousin, Cupe Daniela Ahua. She is excited to have finished their studies in grade school and to be able to start high school next year at whichever institution she would like. It is the fourth time that students have graduated from grade school in the community, since 1994 when the “IKA” school was founded. More and more children are entering school each year and their education is improving. At the close of the celebration, students receive their grades and find out whether they passed the school year or if they have to repeat it. It is important to share the story of the end-of-the-school-year celebration with people outside the community so they realize the Waorani have the same capacity to succeed in formal education. Just like those outside the Waorani communities, these children can complete their education, enter any profession they desire and continue to improve their community.
From tree bark to skirt
Rocio Game Ahua
In the jungle, Yedo Caiga cuts down a tree that will be used for material to make traditional skirts. Later, she will bring the tree to her home where she pounds the outer layer of the bark until it separates from the tree. She then washes and dries the material to be used for the skirts. In the Waorani culture, these traditional skirts are very important to show the world how we continue to maintain our customs and preserve our traditional dress.
From tree bark to skirt
Rocio Game Ahua
In the jungle, Yedo Caiga cuts down a tree that will be used for material to make traditional skirts. Later, she will bring the tree to her home where she pounds the outer layer of the bark until it separates from the tree. She then washes and dries the material to be used for the skirts. In the Waorani culture, these traditional skirts are very important to show the world how we continue to maintain our customs and preserve our traditional dress.