In the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, the Maxakali people are taking steps to restore their land and revive their culture. Once, their territory stretched across three large valleys, rich with diverse plants and animals. The forest was not just a place to live; it was a source of food, medicine, and spiritual connection. Elders recall how they used tree bark for stomachaches, but now, much of the forest has been replaced by farmland.
The Maxakali currently inhabit four small reservations that total just over 6,400 hectares, which is less than 17% of their original forest. Sadly, some experts now consider the Atlantic Forest to be regionally extinct. This loss has prompted Maxakali leaders to focus on reforestation efforts, drawing inspiration from their musical traditions.
Music plays a vital role in the lives of the Maxakali. It is used for healing, storytelling, and practical tasks like weaving fishing nets. According to de Tugny, a project coordinator, songs are an integral part of their social structure. Each song is a connection to the spirit that created it, and their ancestral songs contain a wealth of ecological knowledge.
One song, for instance, lists 33 types of bees, most of which are no longer found in their territory. These songs serve as a historical record, capturing details about the forest’s ecology that many younger Maxakali have never seen. As de Tugny puts it, the songs are like photographs of the forest, detailing relationships between plants and animals.
At the Hāmhi project, which began in 2023, singing is a daily part of the work in tree nurseries. Caretakers sing to the seeds as they plant them, and music accompanies the rhythms of their farming tasks. This not only helps them remember traditional ecological knowledge but also fosters a sense of community in their efforts to restore the land.
The Hāmhi project has already planted over 60 hectares of fruit trees and 155 hectares of Atlantic Forest vegetation. The aim is to eventually reforest an area nearly double that size. Participants have also formed a fire brigade and created natural fire barriers using traditional methods, like planting fire-resistant plants.
Damásio, a village leader, emphasizes the spiritual aspect of their work. He believes that their songs help the forest to grow. By calling on the spirits of their ancestors, they feel supported in their efforts to bring the forest back to life.
Through music and collaboration, the Maxakali are not only preserving their cultural heritage but also taking significant steps toward healing their land. Their efforts highlight the deep connections between culture, ecology, and community resilience.