Akitiai ear ornaments,

1960–75

The contrast in color and texture between hard, iridescent carapaces and soft, rich breast feathers demonstrates both technical expertise and the aesthetic assessment of Amazon resources. These akitiai ear ornaments would have been worn by Shuar men to parties hosted by households spread throughout the forest. A kakaram, an informal leader with expert skill as a killer, is particularly expected to don such elaborate akitiai. Men and women, carrying their ornaments, must walk long distances to a party, where all imbibe manioc beer and drums direct dancing. While the men fashion themselves with feathers and beetle wings that catch the light, women wear snail shell belts that rustle as they dance. The festivities continue through the night, until the guests pack their ornaments and trek through the forest once more.