Discover the story of Kruw, a central figure in preserving and promoting Krahô culture. Her journey is marked by challenges and achievements, reflecting not only personal strength but also the vital role of Indigenous women in maintaining traditions and fighting for the preservation of the Brazilian Cerrado.

A Beginning Marked by Tears and Gratitude

From the outset, Kruw’s life, also known as Cruwakwyj Krahô (or Luzia), was defined by challenges, resilience, and dedication. Born in Aldeia Nova, in the municipality of Goiatins, Tocantins, at a time when there was no internet or telephone, only the radio, her story begins with an episode of profound pain followed by immense joy and gratitude.

After her birth, devastating news was sent to Kruw’s grandmother: her granddaughter had been born but did not survive. Overcome with sadness, the elder walked on foot for a day and a night to reach the house where her daughter had given birth. There, she found the little girl, crying nonstop: she was alive! What a relief! The news of her death had been a mistake, and the grandmother’s joy upon seeing her with strong lungs deeply marked the beginning of her journey.

Growing up with her mother, who became her greatest supporter and inspiration, Kruw faced prejudice from her own father, who rejected her for her physical traits and left the family. Despite this, she was chosen to be the Queen of Fish, an honorary position in her community, which required a four-year period of seclusion during which she dedicated herself to studying at home.

The Rise of an Inspiring Female Leadership

With the unconditional support of her mother, Kruw completed her education and followed her family’s advice to become independent.

“During my period of seclusion, I took the opportunity to study and finish my high school education. After turning 18, my mother advised me to work and become independent. I accepted my mother’s and aunt’s advice, and for the first time, I entered the classroom—to teach older people.“

Kruw

In her first job as a teacher, Kruw found her calling in educating not only children but also adults, and she proudly says that she learned as much as she taught. This path led her to a rich and diverse career, including her role as an actress in the film “A Flor de Buriti,” with which she is currently touring across Brazil.

Today, Kruw is an influential leader in her community, leading the Cerrado Warriors and working tirelessly to promote environmental preservation and the appreciation of Krahô traditions. Her participation in the Meli Pollinators program is another step in her journey of learning and sharing knowledge, showing women in her community and other villages that it is possible to overcome adversities and achieve great accomplishments with persistence and dedication.

Kruw’s sweetness and femininity are profound reflections of her Krahô identity, which she embraces with pride and manifests in every action and teaching. Her journey demonstrates that true strength goes beyond resilience, encompassing the ability to nurture, educate, and transform the reality around her. Kruw is a remarkable example of how the strength of Krahô women can be expressed through sweetness and femininity, serving as a constant source of inspiration and change for her community and beyond.

As a teacher and actress, Kruw not only teaches and inspires her community but also helps to transform the perception of Krahô traditions, showing that it is possible to reconcile respect for cultural roots with innovation and social impact. Below, Kruw shares a bit more about the culture of her people, who live in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Confinement and Food Traditions

The “confinement” period was very important during Kruw’s upbringing. This phase is a period of seclusion and special care that follows the birth of a child or the first menstruation of a young woman, illustrating the importance of rites of passage in indigenous culture. During confinement, there are a series of dietary restrictions, including abstinence from salt and fat, aimed at preserving health and preventing premature aging. These practices reflect the richness of Krahô traditions and extend to how food is prepared and consumed.

As Kruw explained, “During confinement, we don’t eat salt or fat to maintain our health and prevent rapid aging. After fifteen days, we can eat foods with salt, but only a small portion, as a demonstration of our tradition. It’s a sign of respect and care for our ancestry.” She also shares the experience of eating paparuto (or berubu), a traditional food made with manioc dough filled with game and wrapped in banana leaves, showcasing the richness and diversity of indigenous cuisine.

Preservation and Future

Kruw is not limited to preserving Krahô culture; she redefines it, projecting it into a vibrant and sustainable future. By building a library of knowledge and stories, she is not only documenting the past but also illuminating the possibilities of tomorrow. Each effort to record traditional music and narratives is an act of creative resistance and an affirmation of her vision for a cultural continuity that resonates and evolves.

Kruw’s work is a bridge between generations, a celebration of the ancestral strength that shapes the present and inspires the future. Through her dedication, she reminds us that true cultural innovation does not distance itself from traditions but draws from them, creating a rich and dynamic tapestry that perpetuates and reinvents Krahô identity.