|
Introduction to the Jivaro
Indian
Although there were many headhunting
cultures throughout the world, only one group was known for ancient
practice of shrinking human heads (tsantsa). They were
called the Jivaro clan who lived deep in the Ecuadorian,
and neighboring Peruvian Amazon. The Jivaros are one of the most
primitive societies that have caught the attention of the Western
world because of their unusual customs.
The Jivaroan tribes are comprised
of four sub-tribes or dialect groups known to inhabit the tropical
forest of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon. The AShuar, Aguaruna,
Huambisa, and the Shuar. Of these, the Shuar, are most commonly
referred to when speaking of the Jivaro Indians. The Shuar have
achieved their notoriety through their customary practice of
head-shrinking.
The Jivaros are the only tribe
known to have successfully revolted against the Spanish Empire
and to have been able to thwart all subsequent attempts by the
Spaniards to conquer them. They have withstood armies of gold-seeking
Incas and defied the brovado of the early conquistadors. The
Jivaro Indians are known to be an intensely warlike group, tremendously
protective of their freedom and unwilling to subordinate themselves
to other authorities.
The Jivaro Indians have a reputation
for their fierceness which distinguishes them from their counterparts
based on the savageness directed toward their enemies. Early
Spanish chronicles relate that in the year 1599, the Jivaros
banded together and killed 25,000 white people in raids on two
settlements. In particular, the massacre of the Logrono stands
out as particularly ruthless. The attack was instigated over
the natives being taxed in their gold-trade. After uncovering
the unscrupulous practices of the visiting governor, molten
gold was later poured down his throat until his bowels burst.
Following his execution, the remaining Spaniards were killed
along with the older women and children. The younger useful
women were taken as prisoners to join the clan. The settlement
itself was raided and burned to the ground. From this point
onward, the Jivaro Indians remained unconquered despite the
fact that they inhabited one of the richest regions in South
America for gold deposits. The Jivaro's fierce fighting reputation
and head-shrinking practice continued to discourage outsiders
from entering their territories.
|
