RIO DE JANEIRO
CULTURE OF FULNI-O
Bom Dia, Boa Tarde and Boa Noite,
My name is X'Maya Fulni-o, my family are the people of Fulni-o in Pernambuco.
I worked for Funai, the governing body for Indigenous people in Rio de Janeiro, for 10 years.
I have traveled to Europe to show my culture and also around Brazil. I continue to show my culture here in Rio de Janeiro with my work for Funai and with making my Traditional Fulni-o craftwork. I make all my traditional headdresses, jewellery, pipes, and bows and arrows by hand.
I have known X Maya for 5 years now, he is one of the strongest people I've met in Brazil, every day working proudly to show his culture for his family, people, and other indigenous people in Brazil. It is inspiring for me to see his strength against all the prejudiced actions around him, to keep fighting in his way through continuing to educate kids and visitors in Rio de Janeiro.
Due to the current government, Funai has been reduced to nearly nothing, and I have watched the Museum of Indigenous in Rio de Janeiro slowly close.
But through X-Maya's strength, he is still a proud Fulni-o warrior, and his continued strength to make traditional artwork and jewelry is amazing.
We talk every week and we are always planning for the future of his family and in 2017 we set up Brazilian Artisan.
The online shop allows everyone around the world to help X'Maya and his family continue their traditional practices and the money goes towards bigger projects we have for the future.
But if you're in Rio de Janeiro and want a unique piece of Brazilian History, then please contact us and we will make arrangements for you to choose something beautiful for your home, family, or something to wear every day to remind you of your trip in Brazil.
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