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The term Kayapó (sometimes written ‘Kaiapó’
or ‘Caiapó’) was first used at the start
of the 19th century. The people do not call themselves
by this term, a name coined by neighbouring groups and
meaning “those who look like monkeys”, which
probably derives from a ritual lasting many weeks during
which Kayapó men, adorned with monkey masks, execute
short dances. Although aware that this is how others name
them, the Kayapó refer to themselves as Mebêngôkre,
“the men from the water hole/place.” |
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01:: A Kayapó girl arriving from the forest
carrying a gourd (ngôkôn) containing
recently extracted palm oil.
Photo: Gustaaf Verswijver, 1991. |
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