The death of the indigenous tribe leader Aritana Yawalapiti, in August 2020, was one of the most significant losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. He was known as the “Upper Xingu diplomat” because of his skill in mediating contacts with the western world. The leader was recognized for fighting to defend the indigenous people and for preserving the Xingu culture.

Aritana was one of the oldest and most revered leaders of the Upper Xingu area and one of the last people to speak his traditional language, yawalapiti. The early death of an indigenous elder has an immense impact on his people, as it represents the loss of the cultural memorial and contributes to the vulnerability of the original people facing threats against their continued existence. We dedicate the exhibition “Amazonian Times” to Indigenous people, represented by the important figure of Aritana Yawalapiti.