Yaka, Rita, Shane, and Bixku are the members of Kayatibu, a musical and spiritual group from the Huni Kuin indigenous tribe of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. They belong to one of the few tribes that have preserved their culture, traditions, and profound connection to nature.
Kayatibu come together to study and create music, traditional art, and share knowledge about life in the heart of the Amazon. Their mission is to build bridges between indigenous wisdom and the modern world, opening space for mutual learning and seeking a shared path for a new era.
Yaka Sales Huni Kuin is a respected artist of the Huni Kuin culture. She has dedicated herself to the study of traditional cultural heritage from a young age. Her artistic journey began at 15, when she started translating her knowledge and visions onto canvas. These visions are inspired by the rituals of her tribe, including the sacred medicine Nixi Pae, also known as Ayahuasca.
Yaka is a co-founder of Kayatibu and the Makhu movement — collectives of indigenous artists who strengthen their culture through music, art, and lectures. She is a powerful voice for indigenous peoples, fostering unity among villages along the Jordão River and advocating for the preservation of traditional culture and customs.
Rita Sales Huni Kuin is an artist, activist, and mother who uses her work to support the role of women both in society and within traditional cultures. Through her art, imagery, and the power of words, she brings to life the rich heritage of the Huni Kuin tribe, sharing its profound spirituality with the world. She draws inspiration from her tribe’s mythology, sacred legends, prayers, and traditional songs, transforming them into striking artworks.
Shane Huni Kuin, an exceptional singer from the village of Chico Curumim, is the eldest son of the local chief. From a young age, he has devoted himself to studying the traditional wisdom and sacred songs of his people. He focuses on the sacred Huni Meka songs, which have been an inseparable part of Huni Kuin culture for centuries. These songs play a vital role in traditional ceremonies and healing practices and are regarded as the sacred language of the spirits.
Shane not only sings but also conveys the deep symbolism of these songs through his paintings. His powerful energy inspires both future generations within his indigenous community and people around the world.
Bixku Sales Huni Kuin is a talented artist and the third eldest son of the chief of Chico Curumim village. From childhood, he has learned the traditions of his tribe from his father and grandfather — from knowledge of plants and their healing uses to rituals, crafting art from natural materials, painting, and singing the sacred Huni Meka songs.
Like his older brother Shane, Bixku is an outstanding singer. His voice carries the profound meaning of sacred songs that help foster a connection with nature and the self. His paintings capture life in the jungle and the stories of his people, passed down through generations. They invite us to pause and immerse ourselves in the present moment.