THE ACHUAR

The Achuar is an Amazonian community situated along the border of Ecuador and Peru. The name Achuar means 'People of the Aguaje Palm', which itself shows how connected the Achuar are with the rainforest which surrounds them. The Achuar use the plants and animals of the rainforest for nutrition, resources, and for creating handmade artifacts such as hunting tools, pots, and jewelry. Plants and animals in the Amazon each have a particular spiritual value to the Achuar and are given a specific name which is associated with the area around them. This technique helps them navigate through the rainforest without getting lost. Certain plants are also used for cultural rituals and healing elixirs.