This paper aims to describe the ritual of Kwaryp, an unique ceremonial occasion, which assembles the majority of the inhabitants of the region in a hostess village. It also intends to focus the main proceedings envolved in the accomplishment of the feast, appraising the practices aimed to reaffirm the social cohesion as well to express the ambivalence of the relations established between different villages. Solidarity and hostility alternate in the conformation of the universe of upper Xingu and reveal the complex political network in which that universe is embbeded.
Kwaryp ritual; Ambiguity of relations; Unity of Upper Xingu; Social cohesion
