Amazon tribe in voluntary isolation reappears in Peru jungle seeking supplies at remote town

Washington Post ^

[marthemaria]

A tribe of Indians that lives in voluntary isolation in Peru’s southeastern Amazon has made a tense attempt at contact.

The president of the regional FENAMAD indigenous federation says more than 100 Mashco-Piro appeared across a river from the remote community of Monte Salvado in Madre de Dios state.

Klaus Quicque says they asked local Yine people for bananas, rope and machetes.

Newly available video that Quique says was shot by forest rangers over three days in June shows Mashco-Piro of all ages and sexes, including men with lances, bows and arrows.

Quicque said Monday there were tense moments but rangers persuaded the Mashco-Piro not to cross the river, directing them to a banana patch.

The Maschco-Piro first appeared in May 2011 after more than two decades in voluntary isolation.

[OldNewYork]

Handouts are easy, and packaged goods are easier, at least short-term, than hunting and gathering food yourself. God help them.