Tribal communities the world over have evolved their own unique customs and practices that influence collective aspirations and individual behavior. These customs are centered around rituals and taboos that define social and cultural boundaries. Many of these practices were based upon observations of the natural world around them and the cycles of the seasons. It was important for such early human societies to understand and live in sync with nature, which, to a large extent determined their fates. 

The coming of the colonial age and the spread of western theological and scientific thought among traditional societies in conquered lands began to slowly erode these survival mechanisms that had served their people well for countless centuries. These ancient ways of life were now being viewed as backward and restricting. Practices that did not meet scientific criteria were deemed superstitious. The race had begun to sanitise the indigenous mind and redirect its thinking and actions, henceforth defined by a new set of paradigms.
Shamanism was central to the tribal way of life. Today’s priest is modeled after the old Shaman who was the designated mediator between the community and the spirit realm. The Shaman’s presence and injunctions served to bring about social cohesion within the group and helped them survive in dire times. It also served to preserve the balance in nature. Nature to them was a sacred entity, not a means to an end. 

This picture features a man of the Shaman lineage of the Jenu Kuruba tribal community of the Kabini region near our resort.  He officiates at important functions seeking blessings and bounties upon the community. He takes it upon himself to keep malevolent spirts at bay through propitiating tribal ancestors and nature Gods. It is uncertain how long such beliefs will continue to be revered even though it is becoming clear that the decimation of some of these ancient belief systems has led to the large-scale ecological collapse we witness today.

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