Customer Reviews

Disappearing World: Kayapo [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've used this video in the first week of introductory anthropology courses for several years and am really happy with it -- it concisely touches on a wide array of ethnographic material on topics like kinship, the division of labor, ritual, rites of passage, subsistence, indigenous peoples' relations to nation-states, and cultural and economic change. Most importantly, it breaks down the idea that change is a simple movement from "tradition" to "modernity," by focusing on two different Kayapo groups who are actively debating what it means to be Kayapo, & what kinds of change are acceptable. Nearly every concept that comes up in later weeks in the course can be illustrated with a reference to some aspect of this film, & students seem to remember it. Highly recommended.

It's difficult to find entertaining, authentic videos on Amazonian Indians and this one is better than average. I know, as I am currently producing Amazonian Indian documentaries. I have another video on the "Ritual of the Flutes" made by brazilian anthropologists that is really boring despite the incredible subject material. Nice to see something that's entertaining.

I borrowed my roommate/friend's DVD the other night and have to say this is a great documentary. I would give it 4 1/2 stars if I was able to. The previous bad review is obviously sour grapes and should be ignored. I am going to buy this DVD very soon as I have to return the one I watched to my friend soon.

he posted his own promotional photo on our Amazon website which had the address of his own website and misrepresented the Indian tribe from our film - then he negatively reviewed our DVD to promote his own DVDs - so this is not an ethical man and based on this behavior I would not be surprised if his anthropological films were staged