Dream Creative Space for Yawanawa Village

Kenemani Yawanawa is the daughter of Chief and spiritual leader Matsini Yawanawa. She comes from a long line of leaders and was raised as such. Following her ancestor's footsteps and legacy in Mutum village, she has been in contact with the medicines, dietas and the spiritual studies of the Yawanawa since the age of nine. Her dedication to her spiritual studies comes through in the strength of her prayers and she is an inspiration for the new generation in her community. She is an incredible musician with a strong, captivating voice and composes beautiful music on the guitar with the saitis, the sacred Yawanawa songs. Kenemani has been a vital force in her village and her family in reclaiming and holding onto their deep spiritual tradition, and this dedication has allowed her to touch the hearts of many people around the world.

Kenemani has been expressing her creative spirit through the sacred arts of jewellery, painting and finding new expressions of their traditional crafts. It has been her dream since a young age, to create clothing, and find an expression of her spirit through this medium. For her this is a new path for her future, and for the sacred traditions of the Yananawa to find a voice in the world outside. Their sacred geometries, kenes, are received through their connection with the plants, animals and vibrations of the forest, carrying a force of healing, as their sacred chants. These designs are then translated into paintings on clothing, and rauti, their sacred embellishments.

Currently, the resources in Mutum are very limited to support this work. It will be necessary to construct a new space in the forest, which can be used as a creative studio. Constructing new buildings deep in the jungle come with many challenges, as most of the materials need to be brought into the village on the river. However, it is an important time for this as it will be vital for the sustainability of the future of their people. This new space will establish a foundation for her to bring her dream into life, and open many doors for their culture and her spirit to be shared with the world.

It is our hope that for those who have been touched by the spirit of the Yawanawa, and the healing work they have been sharing with the world in these years, can come together to support this dream project. We want to work to create opportunities for reciprocity between the indigenous and those who have been touched by their beautiful and transformational works rooted in tradition and culture, so that the young generation of Yawanawa can find the opportunity for self sustainability and continue to share their hearts with all of us.