Indians ethnic group Baré from Venezuela and Brazil: yesterday and today

Abstract

The ethnic group Baré, important in the past, endured a strong impact in contact with Whites, and even for a moment has been considered as disappeared in Brazil. However, Baré then "reappeared" with a very rich culture, i. e. at the same time as they have kept their beliefs and traditional practices, they have assimilated on their proper traditions various cultural items of Rio Negro's other ethnic groups and, too, beliefs and practices linked to Christianity, notably to Catholic Church's saints, that they use very specifically in their healing practice. This article deals with the initiation rites, the feasts, the beliefs, the illnesses and the healing practices: motives for exchanges between the Indians Bare living in the native land and those living in towns in Brazil and Venezuela.