Although there were
many headhunting cultures throughout the world, only one group was known for ancient
practice of shrinking human heads (tsantsa). They were called the Jivaro
clan who lived deep in the Ecuadorian, and neighboring Peruvian Amazon. The Jivaros
are one of the most primitive societies that have caught the attention of the
Western world because of their unusual customs.
The Jivaroan tribes
are comprised of four sub-tribes or dialect groups known to inhabit the tropical
forest of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon. The Achuar, Aguaruna, Huambisa,
and the Shuar. Of these, the Shuar, are most commonly referred to when speaking
of the Jivaro Indians. The Shuar have achieved their notoriety through their
customary practice of head-shrinking. The Jivaros are
the only tribe known to have successfully revolted against the Spanish Empire
and to have been able to thwart all subsequent attempts by the Spaniards to
conquer them. They have withstood armies of gold-seeking Incas and defied the
brovado of the early conquistadors. The Jivaro Indians are known to be an intensely
warlike group, tremendously protective of their freedom and unwilling to subordinate
themselves to other authorities. The Jivaro Indians
have a reputation for their fierceness which distinguishes them from their counterparts
based on the savageness directed toward their enemies. Early Spanish chronicles
relate that in the year 1599, the Jivaros banded together and killed 25,000
white people in raids on two settlements. In particular, the massacre of the
Logrono stands out as particularly ruthless. The attack was instigated over
the natives being taxed in their gold-trade. After uncovering the unscrupulous
practices of the visiting governor, molten gold was later poured down his throat
until his bowels burst. Following his execution, the remaining Spaniards were
killed along with the older women and children. The younger useful women were
taken as prisoners to join the clan. The settlement itself was raided and burned
to the ground. From this point onward, the Jivaro Indians remained unconquered
despite the fact that they inhabited one of the richest regions in South America
for gold deposits. The Jivaro's fierce fighting reputation and head-shrinking
practice continued to discourage outsiders from entering their territories.