Festa das Mocas Novas

Festa das Mocas Novas is an initiation into womanhood traditionally performed by the Tukuna people of the Northwest Amazon. It begins with the onset of menstruation, and over the next 4 to 12 weeks, the initiate remains in seclusion in a small chamber constructed within the family's home and used only for this purpose. During this period the initiate is thought to be in the underworld and in ever increasing danger from the demon known as the Noo. For the climax of the rite guests arrive in some don masks, allowing them to become incarnations of the Noo. For two more days the initiate remains in the chamber with her body painted with black genipa dye as protection from the Noo. On the third day she emerges from the chamber and her family dances with her until dawn as a celebration. Then the initiate is given a fire brand by a shaman and is instructed to throw it at the Noo. When this is done the power of the Noo is broken and the girl has now entered into womanhood.