The Yahgan, or Yamana, were a small semi-nomadic group of peoples who lived in the southernmost area of S. America, Tierra del Fuego, and the surrounding islands. They basically lived off the ocean and whatever berries and fungi they could find. Their metabolism was so well adapted to the cold that they had no need for clothing. They coated their bodies with grease and always had a fire going. Because they were so nomadic, archeologists have discovered numerous remains of their camp sites. We visited one such place, Wulaia Bay . Only one full-blooded, native speaker remains today. Another culture that is almost extinct.
Charles Darwin landed here in 1833 on described the Yamana as “bona fide savages,” Voyage of the Beagle (Journal of Darwin)
Wulaia Bay is one of many archaeological sites around the island. Can you see the rock barrier on the center left? These were built to trap fish.
The Yamana trapped fish inside rock barriers as the tide receded. These barriers are still visible when the tide is out.
Built as a radio station, it now houses a small museum for the area
The museum is dedicated to the Yamana people and the European missionaries of the area
The Yamana used bark masks and body paint during their initiation ceremonies. They would appear as powerful spirits to the young initiates. The initiates would have to fight the spirits and unmask them to learn the story of world creation. http://thestorybehindthefaces.com/2011/08/07/bark-masks-and-bodypainting-of-the-yamana-or-yaghan-and-the-selknam-or-ona-of-tierra-del-fuego/
Imagine a naked, masked “spirit” appearing before you.
"Post Barrel” - sailors would use this method to get their letters delivered by other sailors. I dropped my letter inside and retrieved one to mail to a past visitor from Colorado.