The Suruí (or Paiter-Suruí) people perform a rite of passage from girlhood into adulthood, which occurs at the first menstruation.

It is carried out according to rules that comply with the customs of the people, such as spending a few months in the maloca (a type of traditional straw hut).

Certain foods are also consumed, like porridge, yams, cassavas, sweet potatoes, and drinking chicha, a traditional fermented beverage made from yams. At no point is meat consumed, as it is considered to spoil the development in progress.

Always sitting with a straight posture and bathing in hot water, we shave our hair to begin the new cycle.

When we emerge from the maloca, we decorate our bodies with handicrafts like necklaces around our necks, putting red string on our legs, and painting the girl herself as our ancestors taught us.

In the following months, having already left the maloca, she will continue to follow some rules for a month, such as not eating meat.

The girl is now ready to move on with her life.

Translation: Andru Shively (VUB)