First published 2017
In the Kayapo homeland of the Amazon, a myth takes hold. The Fire of the Jaguar tells of a celestial battle, with humanity's fate hanging in the balance. Anthropologist Terence S. Turner unravels this captivating story, placing it at the heart of Kayapo culture and society. He shows how the myth serves as both origin tale and blueprint for the vital work of socialization - the means by which the Kayapo preserve their way of life. Through Turner's rich analysis, the "Fire of the Jaguar" myth springs to vivid life, illuminating the deep connections between story, ritual, and the very fabric of Kayapo existence.
Genres: mythology, anthropology, folklore, native-american
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: cultural-preservation, origin-story
Setting: Amazon, Kayapo
Period: 20th-century
305 pages · Paperback · HAU