Indigenous sculpture Ritxoko - Karajá ethnicity
The indigenous sculpture Ritxoko, also known as Ritxoko dolls, is an artistic and cultural expression of the Karajá people, who live on Bananal Island and in areas along the Araguaia River, in the states of Goiás and Tocantins. These ceramic dolls are created exclusively by Karajá women, using natural materials such as clay, charcoal, annatto, and jenipapo to shape and color the pieces.
The Ritxoko dolls have profound cultural, spiritual, and educational value, depicting the daily life, myths, and worldview of the Karajá people. They are used to teach children about family relationships, social roles, and community traditions, serving as an important tool for socialization. The Ritxoko tradition is passed down from generation to generation among Karajá women, who master all stages of production, from clay collection to figure modeling.
The ceramic figures represent both human forms and their life cycles as well as elements of fauna and the supernatural. The painting and decoration of the ceramics are associated with Karajá body painting and clothing and adornment pieces. In 2012, the Ritxoko dolls were recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Brazil by the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), highlighting their importance not only artistically but also as a means of maintaining the identity and memory of the Karajá people.
