irixulakuma

== Wauja == === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /i.ɾiˈtju.la.kuˌma/ === Noun === irixulakuma Blue Cotinga, Cotinga nattererii (a species of bird) ==== Usage notes ==== When adorning themselves, Wauja men rub charcoal (often mixed with piqui oil) on their bodies (maka awojotipa, "in order to be handsome"). Contrasting designs in red can be painted on the glistening charcoal base. The male Blue Cotinga has brilliant teal feathers, set off by contrasting charcoal gray markings on the throat, chest, wings, and around the eyes. This above excerpt from the traditional story explains how, in ancient times, the Blue Cotinga got its distinctive markings. === References === E. Ireland field notes, confirmed with Piitsa, Muri, and other elders (all experienced hunters) in 1982 using José Cândido de Melo Carvalho's Atlas da Fauna Brasileira, Edições Melhoramentos, São Paulo, 1981. "Irixulakume eu" (transcript pp. 5-8) uttered by Aruta, elder and storyteller, while recounting story of the "Caiman Spirit and the Origin of Piqui," (Yakaojokuma), November 1989. Recorded in BBC film, "The Storyteller."