Shuar

The Shuar are an indigenous people native to the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador and Peru. They traditionally live in small, close-knit communities and rely on hunting, fishing, and farming for their subsistence. Known for their rich cultural heritage, including distinctive clothing, crafts, and spiritual beliefs, the Shuar also practice Shuarism, a spiritual tradition centered around nature and ancestral spirits. Historically, they are recognized for their warfare skills and the practice of shrinking human heads called “tsantsa,” which held cultural and spiritual significance. Today, they continue to preserve their language and culture while engaging with broader society.