For the women of the Sapara community, dreams are not just ephemeral experiences; they are vital to their wellbeing, guiding their lives and connecting them to the forest. When they enter Makihaunu (the dream world), their spirits communicate with the spirits of the trees, animals, and ancestors, maintaining a deep bond with their environment and traditions.
The Sapara, a dwindling Indigenous group in the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon, face existential threats from oil exploitation and climate change. With only about 600 members remaining and traditions fading, their connection to dreams—and by extension, their land and identity—is at risk as the forest continues to be destroyed.
People living in urban areas often forget their dreams, a phenomenon attributed to the disconnection from the natural and spiritual worlds brought on by concrete jungles. The Sapara believe that when their land is under threat, such as through deforestation, the spiritual essence that nourishes their dreams and connection to the environment will also dissipate.
The project called 'In Between Dreams the Forest Echoes the Song of the Burning Anaconda' captures the essence of Sapara beliefs, focusing on the anaconda as a guardian of balance on Earth. If the Earth suffers, the anaconda's song symbolizes the imminent destruction of life, reflecting the urgency and depth of the Sapara's relationship with nature.
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