In the shadow of dusk

First contact with the Yanomami Indians in Venezuela

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“Aaauuu, aaauuu!” we hear from all sides. Seconds later, we are surrounded by the warriors of the village, waving machetes and axes wildly in front of our heads. “Aaauuuu, aaauuu!” they shout incessantly and dance ecstatically around us. We still stand there transfixed and do our best not to show any fear. Otherwise we would lose face in front of the proud warriors.

After a while, a couple of Yanomami wave us under the roof of the shabono of the Indian village and show us a place for our hammocks. We are therefore accepted as guests. We are served wild turkey meat and banana soup. We smack our lips appreciatively. Almost the whole village gathers around us in the meantime.