This week at FARLY, we're honoured to spotlight the Huni Kuin people, an ancient group of indigenous people from deep in the Brazilian Amazon—the village of Chico Curumim, of the region, Txana Tuin.
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Rita, Yuka, and Shannon from the Huni Kuin people to discuss a special jewellery collection they’ve shared with FARLY to raise awareness about the Amazon and the challenges their people face. What resonated most was their deep connection to the rainforest, which is not just their home but their spirit and source of life.
Their mission is to preserve their land, protect their sacred culture, and raise awareness of the environmental destruction threatening the Amazon and indigenous communities. The Huni Kuin are not just artisans—they are environmental warriors and guardians of the rainforest. Through their art, they share their history and deliver an urgent message: protect the Amazon before it’s too late.
In a world dominated by technology, we often lose touch with what truly matters—human connection, creativity, and nature. The Huni Kuin people embody this wisdom, bridging ancient traditions with modern life. As protectors of the rainforest and ancestral knowledge, they remind us of the essence of life: “to sing, to dance, to be one with the natural world.”
Preserving the Rainforest: A Global Responsibility
Our conversation with Rita, Yuka, and Shannon revealed the urgency of their mission. The Huni Kuin people are fighting a battle on two fronts: protecting their sacred land from deforestation and exploitation while preserving ancient indigenous wisdom, which is at risk as younger generations face outside pressures and modern influences.
The Amazon rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," regulates the planet’s climate and is home to countless species, many endangered. Yet approximately 17% of this precious ecosystem has already been lost, with an area the size of five football pitches cut down every minute (WWF-UK).
We all share a responsibility to protect the Amazon. The Huni Kuin understand that the destruction of the rainforest will result in catastrophic biodiversity loss, climate instability, and a devastating impact on their people, who have lived in harmony with this land for millennia.
The Power of Education: Building a Spiritual and Traditional School
The Huni Kuin's solution is to empower their next generation through education. As part of their larger initiative to preserve their culture and raise awareness about environmental conservation, they are working to build a spiritual and ancestral knowledge school in their village, Chico Curumim. This school will serve as a sanctuary for their ancestral teachings, healings, and wisdom, where young Huni Kuin can learn about their history, art, spirituality, and the ecological importance of the forest.
Rita, Yuka, and Shannon explained that this school will not just be a place of learning but a beacon of resilience, where indigenous wisdom and environmental stewardship are passed down. The funds raised from the handmade jewellery in the FARLY edit will directly support the establishment of this vital educational institution.
Jewellery with Meaning: Artistry Rooted in the Forest and Spirit
At FARLY, we’re proud to offer a collection of the Huni Kuin’s unique and handcrafted jewellery. Each piece carries the spirit of their people, intricately designed with patterns and symbols that reflect their deep connection to the natural world. These symbols are not only beautiful but hold sacred meaning, passed down from generation to generation.
Rita’s vibrant paintings and storytelling bring her Amazonian community’s worldview to life, highlighting their deep connection to nature and the spirit world. As an artist bridging the ancestral and modern, she ensures indigenous culture not only survives but thrives.
Yuka, from Chico Curumim, has devoted her life to preserving Huni Kuin culture. Her art, inspired by sacred rituals like Nixi Pae (Ayahuasca), reflects her people’s sacred stories and deep spiritual ties.
Together, Rita and Yuka use their art to reconnect their people with traditions, inspiring indigenous youth. Their handcrafted jewellery, made from glass beads, embodies the energy of the Amazon, with each symbol holding sacred meaning. Explore the collection today.
Sacred Songs for Healing
Another key figure in the preservation of the tribe’s cultural heritage is Shane, the eldest son of the village chief and a singer. Shane has devoted his life to studying and performing the “Huni Meka,” sacred songs passed down through generations that hold immense spiritual and healing power. These traditional chants resonate deeply with their connection to nature and the truth within. Shane’s commitment to preserving these songs serves not only as a way to keep his people’s traditions alive but also as a bridge to the modern world, where these songs can offer healing and unity. His profound knowledge of the sacred Huni Meka creates a sense of “spiritual nourishment” and inspires both his community and those beyond it.
How You Can Help: A Purchase with Purpose
Purchasing Huni Kuin jewellery is more than appreciating their art; it’s an act of solidarity. Each sale supports their dream of building a school to preserve their traditions and educate future generations, while also contributing to the global effort to protect the Amazon.
By buying this jewellery, you join a movement that recognises the interconnectedness of all life and the vital role indigenous peoples play in safeguarding our planet.
The Huni Kuin are calling on the world to listen, to act, and to recognise that the fate of the Amazon is tied to all of us. As stewards of the rainforest, they understand the delicate balance that must be maintained for the survival of both nature and mankind. Their call to action resonates far beyond their village, urging each of us to reflect on the impact we have on the environment.
As Yuka shared, "Our fight is not just for the Amazon; it’s for everyone’s future. The Amazon is the heart of the world, and we need the world to help us protect it."
Join Us in Supporting the Huni Kuin People
We invite you to explore the Huni Kuin collection on FARLY, where each piece you purchase will contribute directly to the funding of their spiritual and traditional school. Together, we can help amplify their voice and support a cause that matters — preserving culture, protecting the environment, and empowering indigenous communities.
For more information about the Kayatibu collective's initiative, including their invitation to visit the Amazon, please contact us at hello@farly.co.
To watch more videos from our interview, follow us on Instagram, where we’ll be sharing more video content over the next two weeks. @farly_market
The village of Chico Curumim
Huni Kuin X FARLY