After many visits with Roberto and his family, we have gotten the chance to know them better and to learn that he is a master builder and carver. One day as we were inquiring about musical instruments he showed us a mouth harp that he had made of two different types of fibers - Tsigeroshi, Tsegiro, and Tiroti (or huicungo palm). "We call this a 'Pegompirintsi!'" he says as he recalls memories of how he learned to make it and for what purpose it was traditionally used.

Traditionally, the Pegompi was used by the ‘Seripegari’ or shaman as a ritual instrument for ayahuasca ceremonies. Today only a few know how to make and play it. 

Roberto was taught by his father on how to harvest, make, and play the Pegompirintsi, and it was apparent to us that he carries many aspects of the Matsigenka ancestral wisdom throughout his daily practice. 

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Roberto and his family have been living in Shipetiari for over eight years, where his wife Nati and four children practice their traditional building methods, agriculture, and artisan craft.

We hope that you continue to follow our progress with this long-standing project of art and storytelling, focused on connecting the youth with the oral traditions of their elders and living culture through creative workshops and relationship building.

This project is made possible through our partnership with SePerú; a non-profit organization dedicated to equal benefits and co-management of Peruvian Indigenous communities and their natural ecosystem.

Support this project so that we may continue to share and learn about the ancestral knowledge of the Matsigenka people.