Brazilian photographer Ricardo Stuckert had his helicopter flight diverted because of a storm, but this detour led to a remarkable photos of a remote rain forest tribe.
These high-resolution images were taken in Brazil's state of Acre, near its border with Peru. This region strictly protects its forests and indigenous inhabitants. The photographs show a small group of people with plain clothing, weapons, and body paint. During contact, one man even threw his spear towards the helicopter.
Experts claim that it's the same indigenous tribe that gained global attention in 2008 when photos of tribesmen in red body paint depicted them launching arrows at a low-flying airplane. They are thought to be moving around about every four years or so.
"I felt like I was a painter in the last century," Stuckert said to National Geographic. "To think that in the 21st century, there are still people who have no contact with civilization, living like their ancestors did 20,000 years ago—it’s a powerful emotion."
More info: Instagram (h/t: nationalgeographic.com)
Brazilian photographer Ricardo Stuckert had his helicopter flight diverted because of a storm...
...but this detour led to a remarkable discovery of a remote rain forest tribe
“To think that in the 21st century, there are still people who have no contact with civilization, living like their ancestors did 20,000 years ago—it’s a powerful emotion”
"These groups change locations every four years or so"
Some tribe members threw spears and fired arrows at the uninvited guests
"They’re messages. Those arrows mean 'Leave us in peace. Do not disturb’"
"Once their territory is encroached by loggers or prospectors, the isolated groups are finished"
"They could disappear from the face of the Earth, and we wouldn’t even know it"
Because they have not yet made peaceful contact with the outside world, the tribe's name is still unknown
Brazil's officials call them simply "isolated Indians of the upper Humaitá"
The encounter took place in the state of Acre, near Brazil's border with Peru
Image credits: Survival International