Prayers of Pajé Kupi
The series "Prayers of Pajé Kupi," the inaugural series of our project, is a virtual community devoted to sharing the sacred chants and prayers of the Huni Kuin people, particularly those preserved through the lineage of Pajé Kupi's family across generations.
This course provides a rare opportunity to engage with the sacred chants and teachings of the Huni Kuin, under the guidance of one of their most respected elders, Pajé Kupi, and his dedicated student, Nawá Siã. Each verse of these chants embodies centuries of history, spiritual connection, and collective wisdom.
Our goal is to provide an authentic experience where participants not only learn about the Huni Meka but also become part of a global community dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of indigenous culture.
In addition, our project aims to catalog the knowledge shared during the sessions, preserving the cultural richness of the Huni Kuin and eventually leading to the production of a book that records and celebrates these teachings for future generations.
Pajé Kupi
Pajé Kupi, the elder of Pinuya Village, is one of the oldest living elders of the Huni Kuin people and is considered a living library of traditional knowledge. Born in 1940 in a remote area of the upper Rio Jordão during the time of forced labor in rubber plantations and repression of traditional culture, he has a deep-rooted connection to his heritage.
A member of the Manduca family, he received his first dieta from his father at the age of 5. After this initiation, he dedicated his life to spirituality, becoming a vital source of knowledge for his people and passing on this legacy to future generations. He is now the primary guardian of his family's knowledge, well-known for the work of cataloging medicinal plants used traditionally by the Huni Kuin people, developed by his brother, Pajé Agostinho Ikamuru, in the book "Una Isï Kayawa - Livro da Cura."
At 84 years old, Pajé Kupi remains in good health and spirits. He is a living repository of knowledge about medicinal plants, diets, rituals, and the chants of Pakarī (healing prayers) and Huni Meka (songs of the vine). As the guardian of his healing space, he performs extractions of essential oils from their medicinal plants and provides private consultations. It is an one-of-a-kind opportunity to be in his presence, to hear his chants, and to learn from his stories.
naWÁ siÃ
Nawa Siã is a young spiritual leader, artist, and musician from the Huni Kuin people. Under the guidance of Pajé Kupi, he has immersed himself in the sacred teachings of his culture, dedicating his life to sharing these profound traditions with the world. His travels, both nationally and internationally, have allowed him to present the rich spirituality and teachings of the Huni Kuin to diverse audiences. In this series, Nawa Siã takes on dual roles as a teacher and translator, ensuring that the wisdom of his ancestors is conveyed clearly and authentically to our community.
Classes
Led by Pajé Kupi — one of the most revered spiritual leaders of the Huni Kuin people — alongside his dedicated student Nawa Siã, this series offers an in-depth journey into the Huni Meka, the sacred “chants of the vine” passed down through generations in Kupi’s lineage. Each verse carries centuries of spiritual connection, healing, and collective memory, offering a rare opportunity to learn directly from the guardians of this powerful tradition.
Nawa Siã serves as our translator for the Huni Kuin language (Hãtxa Kuin), ensuring that the cultural and spiritual depth of each chant is faithfully conveyed. The Bari team are your hosts, guiding the flow of the gathering and providing English translation throughout.
Class Structure:
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The classes will be conducted via Zoom calls
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Each class will center on one specific chant, allowing for a deep exploration of its meaning, context, and spiritual significance.
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Classes will last between 60 and 90 minutes, offering ample time to delve into the chant and its nuances.
Included Materials:
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PDF with the Huni Meka chant
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Audio recording to aid in pronunciation and help you practice it
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Access to a dedicated WhatsApp group
Season 01 (Recorded)
The first season with Pajé Kupi was an incredible experience. We will soon share access to the recordings.
Season 02 (Soon)
More information and details soon.
