Fashion show dedicated to indigenous people in Brazil. By: Euronews • Last Updated: 11/04/2022 In conjunction with the organized fashion shows in Manaus, thousands of indigenous people gather in the capital, Brasília, 3,500 kilometres away, for the annual “Terra Livre” (Free Land) camp, defending their rights and protesting against the government of Jair Bolsonaro.
For the first time in Brazil, fashion shows focusing on indigenous fashion are being held, with models wearing feathered headpieces during the event in Manaus. Makeup specialists draw black lines on the models’ faces, arms, and legs.
Mowan Munduruku, a 19-year-old fashion model, expresses his “happiness and pride” to the French Press Agency, saying, “Since the event is being organized for the first time, we want to showcase our talents and our meticulous work in tailoring and craftsmanship, and we want to show the world that indigenous people can achieve success like anyone else.”
Mowan is one of 37 male and female models from 15 indigenous groups participating in the first edition of a multicultural fashion show dedicated to indigenous people. The works of 29 specialized designers in indigenous fashion are highlighted in shows that run throughout April in Manaus, the largest city in the Amazon region.
The event’s organizer, Ribi Ferreira, 27, says the fashion show represents “a form of resistance and a means to overcome stereotypical images” associated with indigenous people. She adds, “Unfortunately, in Manaus, many people feel ashamed and even afraid to acknowledge their indigenous heritage. Our goal is to make everyone feel integrated and to be able to showcase our culture to the world through these clothes.”
Designers use natural elements in their designs, including peccary pig teeth (wild pigs found in the Amazon), guarana or red acai seeds, and coconut shells. The same geometric patterns drawn on the fabrics are represented on the bodies of indigenous people, symbolizing various coming-of-age rituals.
Kimbōramana, a 17-year-old fashion model and designer wearing a white dress adorned with intertwined black lines, says, “My clothes represent the rituals associated with the young girl belonging to the Tikuna group and the thatched house where she must be during these rituals.”
Before each model takes the stage, the event’s presenter explains the group to which the model belongs and the symbolism of their clothing and accessories. The shows took place on Saturday at the Rio Negro Palace, a building constructed in the early 20th century that witnessed the rubber boom and is currently being transformed into a cultural centre.
Bianca Mora, a 24-year-old writer from indigenous communities, says, “I feel privileged to be able to attend a similar event in this place,” adding, “Usually, we are excluded from such places. But today, I see my people telling their story through fashion.”
In conjunction with the organized fashion shows in Manaus, thousands of indigenous people gather in the capital, Brasília, 3,500 kilometres away, for the annual “Terra Livre” (Free Land) camp, defending their rights and protesting against the government of Jair Bolsonaro.
