Canela Lifestyles (04:22)

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Carampei, Yomtam, and Pedro share their challenges and unique ways of resolving conflict. Raimundo Roberto, a ceremonial chief, says sharing is the Canela's secret to survival.

Anthropologist Bill Crocker (02:57)

In 1750 small pox and slavery decimate many Canelas. In 1957, anthropologist Bill Crocker makes contact with Canela tribe. He is adopted by a Canela family.

Canela Tribal Traditions (03:00)

Canelas revel in extramarital affairs. Shame and jealousy make Yomtam’s husband Pedro a loner. After the hunt and harvest, the Canela host a festival. A race symbolizes cooperation in the tribe.

Disobedience in Canela Tribes (04:24)

Children are allowed to play with a minimum of parental discipline. A boy injures himself and the tribe reenacts the injury and the mother's response in a role-play for the children.

Sex and Death in Canela Tribes (02:01)

Canelas keep their sexual traditions hidden from outsiders. Crocker proves he is not like the Brazilians and learns the Canela names for body parts. Crocker's Canela niece dies of TB.

Wild Boar Day in the Canela Tribe (02:24)

This festival allows novice males to celebrate sex with multiple married female partners. Yomtam and other females leave their husbands and rendezvous with young men in the woods.

Canelas and Jealousy (03:00)

Yomtam's family seeks justice when she is beaten by Pedro for her willingness to participate in the sex ritual. Ramundo stops the threat of violence by giving a horse as compensation to Yomtam's family.

Private Promiscuity and Public Fidelity (02:53)

Canelas are saddened that a women’s private sexual trysts are curtailed by early pregnancy. However, the nuclear family is strong and monogamous. The extended family is also strong.

Canela Manhood (03:00)

A stoic boy is initiated with a painful ear piercing. A boy's own desires become subordinate to the tribes'. Special black body paint protects young boys from environmental dangers.

Roles of Canela Men and Women (05:31)

Canela men hunt and good providers are rewarded with more private sexual trysts. Women are dominant in domestic life, housing their husbands. Food is divided fairly among all tribal members.

Festivals and Sexual Generosity (03:30)

The fish festival for the Canelas is a time for happiness and sexual generosity. Open bonding remains a tradition that is central to tribal identity. Sexual prowess is discussed openly.

Ceremonies of Restraint (02:31)

Canelas abstain from food and sex for three months before entering a religious trance that brings the strength of nature to help people. The elders' "mending ritual" emphasizes compromise.

Mending with Drama (02:47)

Eventually, a possessive Pedro leaves Yomtam and the village. When he returns to the Canela tribe a fight between relatives is mended with a healing drama performed by the village children.

Cash Economy and Loss of Customs (02:30)

Outside materialism contributes to more jealously and ends the multiple sex practices of the Canela tribe. Traditionally the marriage bond is strong and sex is good fun that helps to bond the tribe.

Preserving the Canela Culture (03:24)

Crocker shares his 40 years of tribal knowledge with Canela youth whose games imitate adult rituals which unite the tribe. Values of sharing continue but lovemaking trysts are dying out.