Image Courtesy of Huni Kuin.
Huni Kuin means “the true people”. An Indigenous community in Brazil, the Huni Kuin culture is based on a connection with the rainforest. Thus, they have ancient, unique knowledge about the healing power of plants and the importance of a strong community. The history of the Huni Kuin is marked by great suffering, loss, pain, systemic exploitation and displacement which began during the first contact with Western civilization and continues to this day. Today, the struggle for their own land and right to exist is confronted with racism, poverty and a destructive greed.
Important instruments in the Huni Kuin’s drive to fight back, shake things up and draw attention to themselves are their music, group singing, texts and powerful prayers. We spoke with Rita Huni Kuin about her tireless commitment and the power of art.
SLEEK: What do you love most about your art and language?
Rita Huni Kuin: Art in general is a form of therapy for me, while also being a portrayal of my ancestry. Through paintings, handcraft and chants, we are able to connect with yuxibu beings. When I’m painting, I feel and live at the same time.
S: Where does healing happen for you?
RHH: Speaking as an artist, I receive my healing through connection. As my physical body works, my inner world is living through the paintings, colours, chants and singing.
S: What does the concept of identity mean to you?
RHH: As a woman, artist, mother and artisan leader, to me identity is about taking, seeking and bringing back what I have discovered on my learning path.
"From nature, we can derive all sustenance and humility, both spiritual and material."
S: What makes you strong as an artist collective?
RHH: Working as a collective, there is a feeling of empowerment because we know we are not alone. Together we can make connections between forest knowledge and feminine strength through our arts.
S: Why should each of us live and interact with nature with respect and humility?
RHH: From nature, we can derive all sustenance and humility, both spiritual and material. We are preserving and protecting our nature so that future generations can continue this interaction.
S: The detailed figurative depictions in your work tell of a culture and worldview based on equal co-existence. In doing so, you put your finger on the wound, especially in the Western world. What can we learn from you?
RHH: Within the paintings are the colours as a vision and they themselves explain what words cannot: the spiritual energy of existence. I have been trying to portray the songs of the forest, the songs of ayahuasca and the myths associated with Huni Kuin culture. Through the various artistic means I have spoken of, our native community has been able to shine a light on Huni Kuin culture. Very often, the words and paintings have no explanation. Instead, they simply exist and we only know by feeling them.
As featured in SLEEK 74 – IDENTITY. Available in print and digital here.