Caempaede's group at Gabado started moving, a few at a time, to the protectorate at Tewaeno. Soon afterwards, Tagae's group raided those still remaining at Gabado and, in fear for their lives, the survivors of Caempaede's group also moved out. It was now 1975, but after only a short time living in the Protectorate, Caempaede's group decided that the new lifestyle did not suit them and, in spite of the continuing danger from Tagae, they returned to their homeland at Gabado, in 1976. Jim Yost had continued his contact throughout this period and began his studies. It was an unique opportunity: a chance to observe for the first time a people who had been isolated for Centuries, and whose origins were a mystery

Jim Yost with Waorani Children, 1983

Unravelling the secrets of Waorani culture, Jim made some amazing discoveries. He found that the Waorani had maintained the highest levels of homicide ever recorded in the annals of human history. Fully fifty per cent of all deaths in the preceding five generations had been the result of homicide as the Waorani engaged in a continuous and deadly internal vendetta, pursued mostly at night, in spearing raids. No death, it seemed, whatever the cause, went unavenged. Furthermore, the Waorani were even reputed to kill by spearing any, although only a few instances have been proven, of their old people who no longer had the means to support themselves; and they practised infanticide, either strangling unwanted or malformed babies with vines, or burying them alive.

Even while Jim was studying the Waorani culture, the killings, in feuds and raids, continued, although their frequency gradually reduced due to increasing missionary influence. Apart from their extraordinary history of homicide, a further twenty per cent of Waorani deaths were caused by shootings by outsiders; and another five per cent died from snake bites.

Medically, the Waorani turned out to be something of an enigma: they had no trace of cancer; no cardiovascular disease; no high blood pressure; no allergies; and none of the known diseases familiar to us. 'Waorani', in their own language, means 'people'; anyone who is not a Waorani they call 'Cowode'– savages and cannibals. The Waorani lived in secrecy, in the hinterlands on hilltops, well away from major rivers to avoid contact with others. Living under the constant threat of being raided by war parties, the Waorani kept possessions to a minimum; they never knew when they might have to flee in the night and re-establish a home perhaps many days journey away on foot. In case of such an emergency, they maintained a series of gardens scattered over a huge territory to give them alternate living sites with food already available. It was a life of constant fear.

Learning to use a Blowgun, 1983

Six fingers ............ and six toes