Lokono Philosophies and Tribal Wisdom.
“Some tribes consider snakes and crocodilians to be
representative of negative spirits when seen in visions.”
We had taken a detour to the zoo in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, and were
standing in front of a monstrous caged exhibit which housed a dozen or so
intertwined Green Anacondas (Eunectes murinus). The giant snakes twitched
continuously; a braided knot of serpentine flesh. Damon Corrie continued,
“In dreams, the anaconda is the animal representation of the supreme negative
entity for the Lokono-Arawaks. But I know the dream imagery and the living thing
are two separate issues, not to be confused with the other.
“I would never kill a real anaconda because all life is serving a useful purpose as
ordained by the Creator. But a snake – all snakes – must shed their old skin to
survive, and shamans associate this ability to shed their skin with astral travel. For
any real shaman must be able to make his conscious spirit leave his body - shedding
his physical skin, in a way - in order to get answers from the good spirits so he can
give good advice to the physically living when he returns,” Damon smiled.
“Such as, which plant the Creator has made to use to cure which disease, etc.
Western scientists think we used trial and error over centuries to find out what
medicinal plants to use, but we didn’t….too few people in our tribes to risk losing
any to death from using the wrong plants until we find the right one. After all, we
are never told lies by the good spirits.
“Living animals of all kinds, we have respect for. All animals have a practical
educational life lesson to teach….every insect, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish,
mammal, right down to the lowliest arthropod. Peaceful animals like the tortoise,
who harm no one, are to be emulated and are viewed as representations of
positive entities with positive qualities.…like taking time to enjoy life and living
in peace and longevity.”
Image by Gustavo Frazao.