The Achuar of the Pastaza River: A Glimpse into Their Rainforest World - Paperback

by Cynthia Allen (Editor), Andres Ordonez (Introduction by), Joanne M. Mowczko Ed D. (Author)

Who hasn't wondered about life in the rainforest? Who hasn't imagined the humidity, the chatter of monkeys, the layers upon layers of green plants growing upward seeking sunlight, the shadowy forest floor, or the smell of the spongy mat of vegetation underfoot. The reader is given a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous Achuar (pronounced aa sh ur), who have lived in inaccessible regions of the Ecuadorian rainforest for eons. Because of their remote and inaccessible location, the Achuar had limited contact with Westerners until the 1960's. The intent of this book is to provide insight into a people whose lives are intertwined with the forest that sustains them. This book describes anthropological, spiritual and sociological aspects of the Achuar. What is the importance of dreams? What hallucinogenic plants do they use? What is the wayus tradition? These are just some of the fascinating aspects of the Achuar culture the reader will discover. The text, offset by a generous array of color photos and supported by a detailed glossary, describes the rainforest flora and fauna essential to the Achuar lifestyle. When visiting the rainforest in person or through this book, one gains insight into the Achuar and the forest they call home and mother. Dr. Mowczko, well versed in biology, anthropology, and education, takes a direct approach to a complex subject. Anyone interested in the rainforest will find this an easy-to-read book and it is an excellent resource for ecotourists bound for the Amazon Basin or for Kapawi, the Achuar's ecolodge located deep within the Ecuadorian rainforest. Undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in the rainforest and its inhabitants will find this book a great resource that will enhance their perceptions of life among the Achuar. There are currently just over 18,500 Achuar living in the Amazon Basin. The Ecuadorian Achuar are embracing ecotourism and education as a means of interacting with the Western world while attempting to preserve their culture.

Author Biography

Dr. Mowczko has a BS in Education (Biology and Anthropology), a Master of Arts in Biology Education, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She taught at the high school, community college and university levels for more than 30 years before retiring. Dr. Mowczko incorporates her biology and anthropology expertise with her experiences living in the rainforest among the Achuar people to concisely describe their culture and the rainforest that sustains them. As a published author she has written articles for professional science and education journals. She also co-authored curriculum supplements for the National Institutes of Health and wrote ancillaries for science textbooks. Over her career as an educator she received many awards, including Arizona Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year, National Presidential Award For Excellence in Science and Mathematic Teaching, and was an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. Dedicated to education, Dr. Mowczko hopes the sales of this book will enable educational materials and supplies to be made available for Achuar children.