Wapté Mnhõnõ, The Xavante's Initiation

A new age group is initiated every seven years and this initiate group competes against its rival in physical trials and undergoes ear piercing, while godparents drill and supervise their godsons. The ceremony marks the important transition away from childhood, and everyone in the village participates in a variety of roles. After being initiated, boys are adults and may be presented to their future wives. The filmmakers face the challenge of balancing their ceremonial duties with their desire to get the best shots possible. They want to document and preserve their Xavante culture.

Other films from the Indigenous Video Makers series: