Paper short abstract:

This paper examines how the Manchineri, an Arawakan group of Brazilian Amazonia, envisage the relation between specific ancient materials and certain forest spirits.

Paper long abstract:

The paper discusses how the Manchineri, an Arawakan group of Brazilian Amazonia, envisage the relation between specific ancient materials and non-human beings. In discussions about the past of the group with elders of the community, it became evident that three particular species of palm trees, which offer an important source of alimentation and prime material for housing, are closely associated with certain forest spirits. These spirits are known by their names even by today's younger generation. Finally, the paper addresses the importance of palm trees in Arawakan groups' rituals and thinking more generally.