In the Matsigenka worldview, the universe is organized into five distinct levels. The first is Kipatsi, the "world of humans," where everyday life unfolds. Ascending from this earthly realm are the upper worlds, known as Menkoripatsa and Inkite, which represent higher spiritual planes. Below these lie the subterranean realms of Kamavira and Gamaaironi, which are believed to exist within a vast cosmic river—a spiritual mirror to the great Urubamba River.

Origin myths illuminate the foundational processes behind Matsigenka social practices, offering deep insights into their ancestral knowledge of the land, way of life, and agricultural techniques. Among these, the story of the origin of yuca (cassava) stands as one of their most significant narratives, explaining how this vital staple became central to their survival.

The myth of Kashiri (the Moon) recounts a time when the Matsigenka lived without cassava, subsisting only on red clay. This changed when the Moon fell in love with a young Matsigenka woman, who, as a gesture of his affection, gifted her the first cassava plants and taught her the agricultural secrets of how to cultivate them to sustain her family. Today, the Matsigenka grow numerous varieties of the crop, with the "Kashiri cassava" being the most valued.

‍Maika nonkekitsatakaro Kashiri... I will now tell the story of the Moon.

The oral tradition of the Amazonian Indigenous peoples represents the basis of their identity, their understanding of their territory and their place in the world. This reveals important processes in the construction and projection of community life.

Matsigenka songs transcend linguistic barriers and convey a sense of belonging and connection with the natural environment. The songs are often intertwined with rituals, ceremonies, and festivities that transform the voice into a sacred form of expression that connects the world of spirit, humans, and nature.

Through the intergenerational transmission of song and storytelling, the Matsigenka preserve a vital connection to nature, spirituality, and ancestral wisdom. These cultural expressions serve as a living archive for the legends and teachings that define their worldview, ensuring that their unique heritage remains vibrant for future generations.