Pachamama (Colombia, 2011)

The goddess Pachamama – a name that literally translated means ‘Mother Earth’ – plays a central role in the religion of many native peoples in South America. Their traditions also emphasize the direct relation between man and nature. This connects with the scientific idea that all organisms and the non-organic environment (water, rocks, soil) are part of one complex, integrated system. From this follows the idea that anyone who harms nature is committing a form of self-mutilation. Rytz travelled into the Colombian Amazon rain forest to photograph people who have not yet repudiated Pachamama.