Xingu Indian Cuiaba 

Mato Grosso

Xingu Indians in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Cuiaba is the state capital of Mato Grosso and Xinguanos often visit the capital to increase their political power with the Brazilian government. In addition, they often teach Brazilians about their culture by making public performances demonstrating ceremonies, singing tribal songs, and playing native instruments. This allows outsiders to learn about the Xinguano culture without degrading it as they would if they were to visit villages inside of the Xingu Indigenous Park. Tourism inside of the Xingu Indigenous Reserve has recently become prohibited by the FUNAI, the Brazilian equivalent of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, and access, even by anthropologists has become very restricted.