Human Studies Film Archives

Guide to the Diane Kitchen films of the Ashaninka of Eastern Peru, 1979-1982

Summary

Collection ID:
HSFA.1984.03
Creators:
Kitchen, Diane
Dates:
1979-1982
Languages:
Moving image materials are silent; supplementary materials are in English.
Physical Description:
Film reels
color silent; 17,000 feet
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
Full film record documenting the Ashaninka (also known as the Campa) of the eastern Peruvian rainforest. Footage was shot in two villages, Otika and Oviri, on the upper Tambo River, Peru. Extensive documentation of Ashaninka subsistence in the eastern foothills of the Andes includes: slash-and-burn agriculture; fishing expeditions in which men use kómo root to poison fish; making of masato, a fermented drink central to daily subsistence and recreation; making of arrows; spinning of cotton thread and weaving of cloth; basket making; and preparing and eating meals. Ritual and other activities include: singing, dancing, and playing panpipes; an indigenous medical practice known as ciokánci (a diagnosing technique); face and body decoration; a marriage ceremony; childbirth; and preparation of kamárami (ayahuasca), a psychotropic drink. Project is believed to be the only film documentation on the Ashaninka, an indigenous group which has resisted acculturation since contact with colonists during the rubber boom at the turn of this century. The film, BEFORE WE KNEW NOTHING, was made from this project.
Collection also contains sounds recordings, photos, film descriptions and copies of photos.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Administration

Custodial History
Previously titled "Ashaninka of Eastern Peru 1979 and 1982."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Received from Diane Kitchen in 1984.
Processing Information
Titles are supplied by the archivist for untitled films.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Use
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.
Preferred Citation
Diane Kitchen films of the Ashaninka of Eastern Peru, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution

More Information

Local Number

Local Number
HSFA 1984.3.1


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
South America Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Peru Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Asháninka (Campa/Chuncha) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
silent films Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Human Studies Film Archives
Museum Support Center
4210 Silver Hill Road
Suitland 20746
hsfa@si.edu