For many indigenous groups, such as the Kayapó, painting the body is a means of expression, a method of communication. It can say who you are or what you are doing. It is ritualistic, but it also conveys a social message. It can, for example, show the war-readiness of the Kayapó warriors, or express the celebration of their corn harvest. The painting stays on the skin for many days, like a henna painting. After a few days the black ink changes to purple, or blue, and then disappears.
We were at the Indigenous National Party in Bertioga, Brazil, celebrating indigenous culture and traditions. A Kayapó woman was painting my leg with ink made from black seeds from the genipapo fruit, so that I could join in the celebrations with them.
