The Resilience of Varî Vãti Marubo: A Journey Through the Amazon Rainforest

A Journey Through the Rainforest: The Resilience of Varî Vãti Marubo

After spending over a century in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Varî Vãti Marubo, a revered elder of the Marubo tribe, navigates her surroundings with the aid of a sturdy stick, her bare feet softly treading the forest floor. This year, when the Marubo tribe convened for important meetings in a remote village, the journey posed a significant challenge—requiring a rigorous 13-mile trek across streams, fallen logs, and dense underbrush. It was clear that this would not be an easy trip for Varî Vãti, who is now in her advanced years.

However, true to her resilient spirit, she faced the arduous conditions head-on. The only available means of transportation was the strong back of her son, Tama Txano Marubo. As he prepared to carry her, she playfully exclaimed, “Be careful with me!” Her son, balancing a machete in one hand while securing her on his back with a blue strip of fabric, carefully navigated the muddy paths. With a mix of laughter and concern from her relatives, she called out, “Call a truck to come get me! This is too much.” Despite her initial protests, she was determined to make the journey, and with her son’s help, they successfully traversed the challenging landscape.

Varî Vãti is not just a cherished mother and grandmother; she holds the esteemed title of the senior elder among the 2,000 members of the Marubo tribe. According to official government records, which are based on estimates from anthropologists, she is set to celebrate her 107th birthday this coming September. However, her family believes that she may be even older, with some fellow tribe members claiming she is over 120 years old. Her longevity and wisdom make her a living testament to the rich heritage and resilience of the Marubo people.