Cano Guacaya, Rio Miritiparana
April 1952

The masks of Kai-ya-ree personify all the forces of nature. The human being within the mask is transformed and, through dance, enters into a direct dialogue with the supernatural realm. In this instance the spirit invoked is Wagti, a trickster who moves between good and evil, light and darkness. The Yukuna believe that the Wagti must be placated to ensure the fertility of the forest, the fields, and the people.