The Enawenê-nawê cosmos is represented by four levels: above the terrestrial plane where they live lies the eno, the dwelling place of celestial deities, the enore(lo) nawe. Beneath the terrestrial plane exists a vast and sinister universe ruled by the iakayreti. Above the eno, there is the fourth and final layer—an infinite, unreachable, lifeless space.
Celestial Plane
In the eno, of which the terrestrial plane is merely an imitation and reflection, live the (souls of) animals of all species. The vegetation is lush and evergreen, the land exceedingly fertile and constantly cultivated. Its two main rivers, after receiving several tributaries, form a perfect delta. There is only one village, home to the enore(lo) nawe. Along the riverbanks, majestic wooden canoes are moored, used for transport and fishing.
The eno sky contains the moon and stars. Contrary to the impression that the sun rises and sets at the edges of the terrestrial surface, the Enawenê-nawê believe that the sun's path circles the celestial plane counterclockwise. When it rises in the eno, it sets on Earth; when it is night there, it is day here.
The enore(lo) nawe are kind and physically enviable beings considered ancestors—the grandparents of the Enawenê-nawê. Nearly obese, they have perfumed, well-sculpted, and strong bodies; they possess fair skin, perfect teeth, and impeccably groomed hair. Their body adornments are typical of men during ceremonies: skin anointed with annatto dye with striking blood-red accents, triangular freshwater shell earrings, well-crafted tucum fruit necklaces, bracelets, and anklets made with the red and black feathers of red-shouldered macaws and curassows.
Their daily lives mimic those of humans but are perfect—ecologically synchronized, socially and morally impeccable. They fish, gather, farm, and own important plant and animal species. They weave hammocks, collect firewood, prepare food, perform rituals, and lead a vibrant sexual life. In the eno, the spirits indulge in collective ceremonies, playing, singing, dancing, and feasting abundantly in the village's central square. When they notice signs of aging, they bathe in a clear lagoon, shedding their old skin and rejuvenating. Immune to disease, they remain perpetually youthful and immortal. The houses in the eno are rigorously ordered in a circle, with a small men's house at the center, called haiti, where ritual flutes are stored.
Subterranean Plane
The subterranean plane (ehatekoyoare) is the realm of misanthropy. Devoid of social constructs and inaccessible even to shamans, this cosmic layer is marked by constant gloom, the presence of a "cold sun," and perpetual fine rain—a shadowy world. Here live the iakayreti, malformed beings responsible for human suffering, disease, and death.
In stark contrast to the physical and social perfection of the celestial deities, the iakayreti are grotesque, excessively tall, and lack articulation in their arms and legs. They are eyeless, have long unkempt hair, no body adornments, and are incapable of smiling or crying. Lazy, miserly, and surly, they build nothing and cultivate nothing, relying on humans to feed them daily and during festive banquets. Although their exclusive domain is the subterranean plane, they inhabit islands, hills, waterfalls, lagoons, swamps, and riverbanks. They live in disorder, entirely devoid of sociability.
Despite their isolation, the iakayreti are identified by individual names and always associated with clan groups. To appease these beings, the Enawenê-nawê organize lavish feasts solely for them, during which they manifest in the village. Taking advantage of the food and drink, they possess humans to feed through them. However, not all types of food satisfy these predators. If displeased, they return to their domain, unleashing their wrath on the Enawenê-nawê.
Terrestrial Plane
On the terrestrial plane, in addition to humans, two other types of beings circulate: the dakoti and the atahare-wayate.
The atahare are giant ogres who inhabit the interiors of trees (“forest spirits”) and are the masters of various plant species. They have enormous mouths capable of swallowing a person whole. Awakened in the forest by the smell of blood, they prey on those who violate certain taboos.
The dakoti are spectral entities with deep, lifeless eyes. Incorporeal, they lack flesh, bone, or blood. They are toothless and nearly bald, feeding on insects, small frogs, and fungi. The dakoti are ominous beings: hunched and almost always squatting along paths, their appearance is an omen of disease and death for the person who sees them or a relative of that person. They often visit the village, especially when someone is near death, serving as messengers of the iakayreti, bringing news of the wrath of these death-bringing entities.
