ARCHITECTURE
In the Achuar society, their house consists of one family.
It is built from wood, elliptic-shaped, normally without
external walls and covered by a very complex thatched
roof made of palm leaves. This turns the Achuar house
into a vast and harmonious structure. It follows an
imaginary axis from west to east or upstream-downstream.
The house is divided into two areas.
Tankamash located on the west side, is an eminently
male area and women are not allowed, except when they
serve nijiamanch or food to the guests. The master of
the house sits on the chipui, a wood carved seat that
resembles the shape of a tortoise. Ekent is located
at the east side where all meals are prepared including
the manioc beer, nijiamanch. It is primarily female,
yet not exclusively. No male visitors will ever trespass
the ekent's limit, but the master of the house is free
to wander in this female space. |
