Zhigoneshi

For transmediale 2009, Intermundos did a quick re- edit and voiceover of a mini documentaries made by the Zhigoneshi comunicaccion group.  This documentary was showed during Transmediale in an improvised presentation made possible by Rob Van Kranenburg. Posterior to the presentation, a short interview was made possible with the members of Zhigoneshi via skype. Unfortunatly the video could not remain online for author rights issues.

Zhigoneshi

During the middle of the eighties, the Mamas (spiritual leaders) of the tribes from the Sierra Nevada decided that it was time to reach out to the world and share their knowledge. In 1990 a documentary directed by Alan Ereira called ” From the Heart of the World, The elders brothers warning”was produced by BBC which was the first to feature the word of the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada. In 2004 a group of indigenous people from the Gonawindua Tayrona Organization conformed the Zhigoneshi (we all help each other to help all) Communication Center in order to learn how to produce media and be able to represent themselves instead of being represented by third parties. They have received training in media communication techniques and have started to produce documentaries, photographs and a magazine.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Gonawindua) is an isolated mountain range apart from the Andes chain that runs through Colombia. Reaching an altitude of 5,700 metres above sea level just 42 km from the Caribbean coast, the Sierra Nevada is the world’s highest coastal range.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_de_Santa_Marta

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is home to the remnants of the native American Tairona Culture; Arhuacos, Koguis, Wiwas and Kankuamos, that live in Resguardos Indigenas (Indian reserves) located in the mid-highlands.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_de_Santa_Marta

“The Kogui are descendants of the Tairona culture, which flourished at the time of the Spanish conquest, and have been living in isolation for generations.

Their mythology teaches that they are “Elder Brothers” of humanity, living in the “Center of the World” (the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta). Those not living in the Center of the World (generally people from the west) are called “Younger Brothers.” Their mythology suggests that these Younger Brothers were sent away from the center of the world long ago. In response to infringements on their homeland by westerners, a legend arose claiming the Younger Brothers had now found their way back, and were reaping their destruction on the land.”

“ …the world doesn’t have to end; it could go on, but unless we stop violating the earth and nature, depleting The Great Mother of her material energy, her organs, her vitality; unless people stop working against the Great Mother, the world will not last ”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koguis

The Arhuacos live in the upper valleys of the Piedras River, San Sebastian river, Chichicua River, Ariguani River and Guatapuri River, in an Indian Reservation in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains. Their traditional territory before the Spanish colonization, was larger than today’s boundaries which exclude many of their sacred sites that they continue to visit today, to pay offerings. These lost territories are the lower parts by the steps of the mountains, lost to colonization and farming.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arhuacos

“ The mamos say that they are the keepers of the world, because the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the place where the world was created ; the spirit of all things are here in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and therefor it is our responsibility to take care of the world, A responsibility shared by the four tribes. If the ice caps of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta melt the mamos believe it means that the world ends”

Amado Villafana

Photos courtesy of Zhigoneshi communication group