In this AskMe: What’s the book I can’t remember???
February 1, 2018 3:43 PM Subscribe
This book, the title of which escapes me but not you, depicts the author’s experience living with the (I think!) Achuar peoples of the Amazon. The most striking part of his account was the way members of the tribe would share their dreams with one another upon waking. The subject of your dream was meant to inform your activity that day, or you would keep your eyes peeled for that symbol. I gave it away as a gift a few years back and would like to gift it again! Thank you!
The Achuar of the Pastaza River: A Glimpse Into Their Rainforest World
by JoAnne M. Mowczko?
posted by tenderly at 4:59 PM on February 1, 2018
by JoAnne M. Mowczko?
posted by tenderly at 4:59 PM on February 1, 2018
A long shot, but this isn't "The Kin of Ata Are Waiting For You," is it?
The big famous Achuar-adjacent book seems to be The Spears of Twilight, by Philippe Descola.
posted by peppercorn at 5:01 PM on February 1, 2018
The big famous Achuar-adjacent book seems to be The Spears of Twilight, by Philippe Descola.
posted by peppercorn at 5:01 PM on February 1, 2018
I also think I remember it from Don't Sleep, There Are Sharks Snakes.
posted by pullayup at 6:21 PM on February 1, 2018
posted by pullayup at 6:21 PM on February 1, 2018
I don't have my copy to check but Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes may be corroborated by this blog post/review:
"[The Piraha] will talk about events of the past day or two and they will talk about their nightime dreams as if they were the same as events that occurred in the waking world."
posted by pullayup at 7:13 PM on February 1, 2018 [3 favorites]
"[The Piraha] will talk about events of the past day or two and they will talk about their nightime dreams as if they were the same as events that occurred in the waking world."
posted by pullayup at 7:13 PM on February 1, 2018 [3 favorites]
Ursula Le Guin mentions these people in one of her essays -- I think it's in The Wave In The Mind. Every morning they describe their dreams to each other at breakfast, and treat them as "real." I'm pretty sure their tribal name began with an N. It was later revealed that the original author (not Le Guin) made them up. I'm a long way from my books and I can't look it up for you, sorry.
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 12:07 AM on February 2, 2018
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 12:07 AM on February 2, 2018
Best answer: That sound means we’ve reached the end of another thrilling episode of What’s The Book I Can’t Remember?? and the answer to this week’s puzzler is of course Original Wisdom. Thanks for playing and we’ll see you next time!
posted by stinkfoot at 10:01 AM on February 2, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by stinkfoot at 10:01 AM on February 2, 2018 [3 favorites]
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posted by pravit at 4:24 PM on February 1, 2018