Encounters with Uncontacted People in the Amazon

For the last few weeks life has taken place beneath the trees, out in the Madre de Dios region of Peru. While traveling on remote rivers at this time of year, the dry season, it is always important to remember that nomadic 'uncontacted' tribes are a reality in Amazonia. This simple stone axe head was found in the abandoned camp of a nomadic Indian group. Smooth and well made, it is a tool used by a people from an entirely different world.

Staring into Faces in the Jungle

This week, once again, uncontacted tribes have been photographed from the air on the Peruvian/Brazilian boarder. Looking at these pictures instantly gave me a shot of adrenaline and brought back a fear that I have been trying to forget for a few years now. On the rainy day when I ran into a nomadic tribe, I knew my life was in danger. I knew that their lives were in danger due to my germs. But there was something more, I found myself completely terrified of their faces. And walking through the forest, now, I often turn quickly when the feeling on my spine tingles in wonder that they could be there watching. 

Uncontacted Tribes Are in the News Again

#Uncontactedtribes make the news every few months, when someone from the air gets a picture of them. These pictures are very clear and show a group of people taking cover beneath a shelter, clutching spears/bow and arrows. Strange to think of a human that has never seen the wheel, or used a spoon. But they know many things we don't. So we should respect them and leave them alone out there.