My journey as an artist has been built from lived experiences, identity, and a commitment to what I represent. Each step I take carries not only learning, but also the responsibility of expressing stories, culture, and struggles that are often not heard,” says Bepbere Pat-i Kayapó (Mẽbêngôkre Kayapó) from the Indigenous Territory in Southern Pará, Brazil. Kayapó is part of the Pykôre Indigenous Association, an artist collective, primarily involving women. He views his artistic practice as fundamentally intertwined with cultural memory and identity; a form of resistance that serves as a vital safeguard for his Peoples’ history and future.
Kayapó’s creative journey, which began by watching and imitating others, quickly developed into a profound commitment to his people. His work transcends mere aesthetics: it “carries identity, has purpose, and speaks directly both to those who understand it and to those who need to know this reality,” he says.
Beaded earrings made by women from the Pykôre Indigenous Association.
The materials Kayapó uses—beads, body paint, headdresses, photography, and video—are more than tools; they are instruments of cultural safeguarding. “The materials are very important to me. When I make a film about history or record the words of an Elder, I preserve them for the future,” he explains. By meticulously creating an archive to store his photos and videos, he ensures the continuity of Mẽbêngôkre Kayapó culture. “I hope young people will look for these records to see the photos and videos, learn more about our history, and learn from what has been preserved,” he says.
The safeguarding of culture is constantly challenged by external pressures. Kayapó identifies several obstacles facing Indigenous artists, beginning with a lack of appreciation. He notes that Indigenous art is “often still seen as ‘simple handicraft’ rather than as a rich artistic expression with history, meaning, and identity,” which hinders recognition. Cultural appropriation is equally problematic. “When people from outside use Indigenous symbols, designs, and cultural elements without understanding or respecting their meaning, [it] can devalue and even distort the culture,” he says. Limited access to exhibition spaces, economic difficulties, and deep-seated prejudice also make it difficult for Indigenous artists to be heard and respected.
Despite these hardships, artistic expression remains a cultural pillar. For Kayapó, and the women in his collective, jewelry and crafts are fundamental ways to keep tradition alive. A simple basket used to carry firewood and cassava holds deep significance because “it is not just an object: it carries everyday usefulness, memory, and the way the community preserves its knowledge,” he explains. Art fosters community unity, with creation becoming a collective process in which the Elders teach, and the younger ones learn, strengthening respect and the bond between generations. “Art also affirms the intrinsic connection to the land; elements come from ‘the forest, rivers, and animals, showing respect and care for the territory,’” Kayapó says.
For Indigenous Peoples in Brazil, where survival is often the struggle, these cultural expressions are vital. Issues such as land invasions and illegal mining, forest destruction, river contamination, and conflicts within communities are just a few of the threats they face. Despite the slow pace of land demarcation, violence against land defenders and leaders, and inadequate access to health care and education, the fight continues: “We want to show the world that we exist, that we have a voice, and that our culture is not for sale,” Kayapó says.
Kayapó Peoples are working to strengthen their culture through sustainable projects, Indigenous education, and initiatives that value our way of life.” About the Cultural Survival Bazaars, he says, “We are taking our art and our culture to show it outside the community. This needs to be understood and respected. Respect is very important. Our greatest objective is to continue protecting our territory to keep our culture alive and guarantee dignity for our Peoples. Our cooperative has a very important partnership with the Bazaar. It is very important for us to show our art and our culture.”
Attend the Cultural Survival Summer Bazaars—July 24–26 in Tiverton, RI and August 1–2 in Providence, RI. bazaar.cs.org
Top Photo: Bepbere Pat-i Kayapó. Photo by Pablo Xol/Cultural Survival.
