A different side of Brazil

• Author: Judith Lacy
• Published date: 16 June 2022
• Publication title: Guardian, The

Nearly 100 ceramic figures, known as ritxoko, made by the Iny women of central Brazil are on display at Te Manawa Art Gallery. The pieces are for sale, though most have already been purchased

The Iny People of Central Brazil provides a glimpse into the life and culture of the Iny through ceramics and film.

The ritxoko portray daily life, traditional ceremonies, and myths and have become a significant source of income and prestige for the artists.

The artists live on Bananal Island, a large river island formed from the bisection of the Araguaia River, in southwestern Tocantins, Brazil.

The island is part of Araguaia National Park.

There are about 3500 indigenous people on Bananal Island, spread among 18 villages, with the ritxoko artists living in Hawalo.

Though the Indians call themselves Iny they are often referred to as Karaja.

In 2012, ritxoko were listed as a cultural heritage of Brazil by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage.

The exhibition is a collaboration between Museu do Índio in Rio de Janeiro, Massey University and Te Manawa.

At the opening ceremony, Brazilian ambassador Marcos de Souza Campos said the exhibition was a significant step in...