Going Tribal Season 1 Episode 6 Waking the Spirits: The Sanema

In Going Tribal season 1 episode 6, titled "Waking the Spirits: The Sanema," anthropologist and adventurer Bruce Parry journeys deep into the Amazon rainforest to explore the cultural practices of the Sanema people. The Sanema are one of the last remaining tribes in the region that has managed to maintain their traditional way of life, and as such, they offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into an ancient and little-known culture.

Parry's first encounter with the Sanema is with a group of hunters, who demonstrate their impressive tracking skills as they stalk through the dense jungle in search of prey. Parry joins them on their quest and learns firsthand about the importance of the hunt in Sanema culture, as well as the ways in which they use every part of the animals they kill, from the meat to the hides to the bones.

As Parry spends more time with the Sanema, he begins to delve deeper into their spiritual beliefs and practices. He learns about their connection with the natural world and the numerous spirits that they believe inhabit the rainforest around them. One of the most important of these spirits is the "bene," a powerful force that governs the universe and can be called upon for guidance and protection.

The Sanema have a number of rituals and ceremonies designed to communicate with the bene and other spirits, and Parry witnesses several of these firsthand. One such ceremony involves drinking a potent hallucinogen called ayahuasca, which is believed to open up a doorway to the spiritual realm. Parry joins the Sanema as they prepare and consume the ayahuasca, and he experiences intense visions and sensations that he describes as "life-changing."

Throughout the episode, Parry also learns about some of the many challenges that the Sanema and other indigenous tribes face in the modern world. Deforestation, mining, and other forms of environmental destruction threaten the rainforest and the traditional way of life that the Sanema have relied on for centuries. Parry speaks with Sanema leaders about their struggles and their efforts to fight back against these threats.

Overall, "Waking the Spirits: The Sanema" offers a mesmerizing look at one of the world's most unique cultures and the struggles they face in a rapidly changing modern world. Parry's engaging narration and genuine curiosity help to convey the deep respect and admiration he feels for the Sanema people and their way of life.