Summary
Highlights
Pedro embarks on a journey to Poilão, the isolated southernmost island, known as a sacred place and an important sea mark during Portuguese colonial times. Poilão is home to one of the largest colonies of green turtles in the Atlantic, where females return to lay their eggs. Santino, one of the island's guardians, emphasizes the importance of protecting this endangered species. Pedro reflects on the beauty and gentleness of the turtles, advocating for their protection.
On Caravela Island, Quintino, a 'kabado,' prepares for the Fanado, a significant initiation ceremony that marks his transition to manhood. This ritual involves months of suffering, endurance, and deprivation in the sacred forest. Once completed, Quintino will become a 'Kamabi,' a respected man capable of contributing to his community and protecting his family. He has four children and a wife, Saffie, and their relationship is a source of joy and support, especially as he faces his upcoming absence.
The Bijagos people lead a self-sufficient life, with each family cultivating rice as their staple food. Children learn to protect rice fields from weaver birds at a young age. Although not seafarers today, legends speak of past maritime prowess. The 'Kanyago,' a traditional fishing tool made from natural materials, is essential for survival and independence. The waters surrounding the islands are abundant with fish, but also home to dangerous creatures like stingrays, highlighting the dual nature of their generous yet perilous environment. The rainy season brings storms, forcing the inhabitants to adapt and work amidst challenging conditions.
Preparations for Quintino's Fanado are underway, with elders setting the three-month duration for the ceremony. Quintino expresses anxiety but also pride as he dons the sacred fetishes of his father, Francisco, the village chief. This costume, symbolizing the force of nature, provides strength and courage for the final rite of passage. The Fanado is a secret ritual, not to be discussed with outsiders, and Quintino is ready to enter the 'Fanado House' to fulfill this ancient tradition, which will transform him into a different, respected man.
The Bijagos Islands, an isolated territory of Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, are introduced as sacred lands resembling a vast river delta. We meet Marcelino, an Omi Grande and traditional doctor on Carache Island, known for his ancestral remedies. On Orango Island, Pedro works as a reporter for the local radio station, Okinka Pampa. On Caravela Island, Quintino prepares for the Fanado, the highest initiation rite, a crucial phase in his life. The video emphasizes the Bijagos' strong connection with nature developed over centuries.
Marcelino, a traditional healer in Empicha village on Carache Island, inherited his knowledge from his father and received some modern medical training. He dedicates himself to the well-being of children, teaching mothers about care and wounds, and treating various ailments with both traditional and modern medicine. Marcelino, as an Omi Grande, embodies the respect for elders in Bijago society, guiding the younger generations, and passing on his extensive knowledge of nature and remedies.
The palm tree is crucial to the Bijagos people, with every part used for construction, food, tools, and medicine. Marcelino explains that plant lore and traditional medicine are sacred secrets, only shared with doctors and those who live on the land. Before harvesting, he asks for the tree's forgiveness, demonstrating deep respect for nature. Sacred sites are believed to be the realm of Iran, the spirit of the islands, and tradition is key to the community's social cohesion. The Bijago people draw strength from their natural surroundings, observing animals and water for survival.
Orango, the largest Bijagos island and a national park, is home to Pedro, who uses his reassembled tractor to transport goods and people, helping the community. He also volunteers as a reporter for Radio Okinka Pampa, a new community radio station. Through his reporting, Pedro covers public health and environmental issues, discovering new facets of his country and strengthening the bond among the island's inhabitants. Orango's diverse ecosystem includes dangerous animals and rare saltwater hippos, which have adapted to the marine environment.