[Fred6027]

Originally Posted by gringuito

Not to burst anyone's bubble here, but the majority of the photos taken here are done, well, for show. :-)
I have traveled abroad quite a bit and have visited a few of these. A couple of these photos I recognize from bora bora, near Iquitos in Peru. I have even spoken with a few 'tribal members' who speak a fair amount of English, which is mandatory in schools there.

The dances are performed at encampments arranged to appear like isolated camps. These encampments are normally located outside the town/city. The women in the photos are paid to perform in the rituals/dances. Quite commonly, afterward, they dress up and with their friends go shopping or dancing in the nearby city. You might have noticed some have tanlines, clothing markings and such. The dances are planned, choreographed, and even advertised to tourists.

Just a note, the truly isolated indigenous camps we all remember sparking our curiosity as boys from natl geographic who actually hunt with spears, live and dance in the nude, etc are VERY difficult to get to (say a matter of days by river and hiking). They don't speak a word of spanish or portuguese (much less english) are nervous with outsiders and cameras, and some can even be a little dangerous. However, a big thanks, the photos are fantastic!

whoa !! This is quite a let - down , dude

It IS still quite a show , though