Mebêngôkre Kayapó: food culture

I captured the Mebêngôkre Kayapó women preparing berarubu.

Berarubu means “buried food” and is a traditional dish of the Mebêngôkre Kayapó people. It consists of cassava dough and fish wrapped in large banana leaves. As the name suggests, the cooking process takes place underground, buried with hot stones for several hours. This dish feeds the entire village during traditional festivals and rituals.

Cassava, cultivated for over four thousand years, is considered a sacred food by many Indigenous groups. It plays a fundamental role in their food culture and was recognized as the food of the 21st century by the United Nations (UN).

Additionally, we possess extensive knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices, making a significant contribution to family farming and the preservation of native seeds. This ancestral knowledge is crucial for food diversity and security, promoting a production model that respects nature and values local culture.

Our relationship with agriculture not only ensures food security but is also essential for the preservation of ecosystems. Our agricultural practices, including sustainable land management, help maintain biodiversity and environmental health. By cultivating in harmony with nature, we ensure the conservation of natural resources.

The Mebêngôkre Kayapó women are guardians of ancestral knowledge, which is essential to their people’s food culture.