Religion and Culture

The Yanomami people traditionally practice animism as their religion. Animism is the belief that plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena have living souls. To the Yanomami the forest is not only composed of plant and animal life, but of spiritual life as well. Which basically means that every single tree, vine, shrub, and flower is inhabited with animal spirits. The Yanomami refer to these animal like spirits as xapiripe, also known as hekura or hekurapë.  In order to see these spirits one must use a hallucinogen called yopo or ebene. This hallucinogen is made from bark and is frequently taken into the body through the nasal cavities. Not only does this connect the user with the spirits of their surroundings, but it also represents a transfer of energy from person to person. Taking yopo is thought to also allow the user to manipulate the spirits inside of him, resulting in spiritual power. These powers are then used to benefit the Yanomami people as a whole and are thought to heal the wounded and harm enemies. 
Another part of the Yanomami religion is a God called Omama. It is believed that this God created the animal spirits from people who performed wrong doings. The Yanomamo people also believe that the universe consists of four parallel layers or levels. The top layer, duku ka misi, is believed to be empty, but at one time was inhabited by ancient beings that now have dropped down into lower levels. The second layer is called hedu ka mis or the sky level. At this level lies the spirits of dead men and women. Hei ka misi or earth is the next layer, and the last layer is the hei ta bebi or “underworld.” This is where the Amahi-teri live which are ancient spirits that bring misfourtune and harm to humans. 
 
 Ushiñahua , Charito . "Yanomami Indians: The Fierce People?." Amazon Indians Native Tribe Photos | Videos. http://www.amazon-indians.org/yanomami.html (accessed November 23, 2012).