The Ainu are an indigenous people in northern Japan, primarily on the island of Hokkaido. For centuries, they were marginalized and their culture denied. In 2008, Japan officially recognized the Ainu as an indigenous population, an important step toward preserving their traditions and rights. Historical Background The Ainu originally lived in Hokkaido, parts of Sakhalin, … Read more
The Nenets, Evenks, Khanty, and other indigenous peoples of Siberia have lived for centuries in extreme climatic conditions. Their culture, language, and lifestyle are closely linked to reindeer herds, rivers, and the tundra. Yet climate change increasingly threatens their existence and traditional practices. Historical Background The Nenets are nomadic reindeer herders in northern Russia. Their … Read more
When we think of Russia, we often see the domes of Moscow or the palaces of St. Petersburg. But east of the Urals lies another, much older Russia: a vast mosaic of landscapes and cultures that have lived for millennia in harmony with the harsh beauty of Siberia and the Far East. From the reindeer … Read more
In many Indigenous cultures, body art is not decoration but language. The body becomes a living archive, carrying stories of ancestry, responsibility, spirituality, and resistance. From the precise lines of Māori Tā moko to the symbolic body paintings of African communities, identity is visibly embodied. 🌀 Tā moko: Living Genealogy of the Māori Tā moko … Read more
The San, also known as Bushmen, are among Africa’s oldest indigenous peoples. Their lifestyle revolves around traditional hunting, gathering, and deep knowledge of flora, fauna, and the environment. Today, they face challenges such as land loss, tourism pressure, and modernization. Historical Background The San have lived for millennia in the Kalahari region and surrounding areas. … Read more
The Mapuche are the largest indigenous people in Chile, defending their culture, language, and land rights for centuries. Despite decades of marginalization, they continue to fight for autonomy, land ownership, and self-determination. Historical Background The Mapuche primarily inhabit the Araucanía and Los Ríos regions. Before colonial times, they had an independent social, economic, and spiritual … Read more
Stell dir einen Gesang vor, der keinen Text im üblichen Sinne hat. Der nicht von einem Menschen, einem Rentier oder einem Berg erzählt, sondern der diesen Menschen, dieses Rentier, diesen Berg ist. Ein Gesang, der nicht zum Vergnügen komponiert wird, sondern als lebendiges Porträt, als akustische Seele eines Wesens oder eines Ortes. Das ist der … Read more
The Cordillera region in the northern Philippines is home to numerous indigenous tribes who have lived in close connection with nature for centuries. Protecting land, water, and culture is central to their way of life. Dam projects, however, threaten not only their environment but also their identity and rights. Historical Background The Cordillera region hosts … Read more
Dreamcatchers are globally popular – as decor, jewelry, or fashion. Yet their origins lie with the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) of North America, where they are more than decorative objects. They carry spiritual meaning, protective functions, and stories connecting humans and nature. 🌿 Origins of Dreamcatchers The Ojibwe traditionally made dreamcatchers from willow hoops, nets, and feathers. … Read more
For many indigenous peoples, spirituality is not a separate sphere but deeply woven into daily life. It shapes rituals, social relationships, observation of nature, and life decisions, creating a strong connection to community and environment. Historical Background In indigenous cultures, spirituality is often cyclical and nature-based. The world is seen as alive, with everything interconnected. … Read more
