YOUNG YAWALAPITI TRIBE MEMBERS AFTER SUCCESSFUL FISHING TRIP AT XINGU RESERVE IN LOWER AMAZON, 2002-05-12 (photo)

Young Yawalapiti indians return from a successful fishing trip up the Tuatuari and Kulene rivers near their village in Alto Xingu, in the lower Amazon region, May 12, 2002. Fishing is the mainstay of the Yawalapiti diet, as they do not eat meat. The boys here are bringing back Piranha, Tucunare and Bicudo fish. Once on the border of extinction, the Yawalapiti have built their tribe up to 180 members from just seven some 50 years ago through inter-marriage with other Xinguano tribes in the same cultural area. The Xingu tribes are famous for their "Quarup" festival; a 'ritual of the dead'l, which takes place in the year following the death of a tribe member of chieftan family lineage. FOURTH OF SIX PICTURES REUTERS/Gregg Newton GN/HB