Brazil's most traditional indigenous people use modern methods to defend their way of life

摘要

The moonless night was so dark I could hardly distinguish the outlines of our guides as we approached the village. Light from cooking fires inside thatched huts sent figures dancing on the walls. As we walked toward the center of the village, children called out to each other that the warazu -- outsiders -- had arrived. Boys and girls surrounded us in circles. Small hands clasped; the children sang and stomped the ground. Songs drifted up toward the crowded canopy of stars. A child reached for my hand: our fingers laced. Other children hung onto me, showing unabashed affection, and fascination with my hairy legs. Their vulnerable voices bathed us in song. These are songs the Xavante have sung for centuries, and continue to teach to their children.