Purá, the supreme being of the Arikéna Indians

Abstract

This text consists of a succinct and general overview of the history, mythology and culture of the Arikéna, in which Kruse only organizes and reproduces, in a literal way, reports obtained from Arikéna Atití. In these reports, Arikena tells about himself, about the origins of the Arikena and their history of contact with non-Indians. Throughout the reports, he emphasizes information of a mythological character, about Purá and Mu'ra, heroes creators of the different 'tribes' or 'yanas' who, according to Atití, were part of the Arikena people in general, as well as about the origin of mortality, diversity linguistics among all the 'tribes' he mentions, as well as on the origin of all existing beings. It also deals with rules of etiquette, customs and highlights aspects of the Arikena's social and political organization.