Yuca's story

Long ago, the Tacana people lived peacefully in the Amazon rainforest. But food was becoming scarce. They relied heavily on hunting, and one of the most coveted animals was jochi pintao, a spotted peccary known for its speed and elusiveness. The hunters set out to catch jochi pintao, following its tracks deep into the forest. But the clever animal always managed to escape.

The hunters grew tired and hungry, so they decided to rest under a tree. As they lay there, they heard birds singing above them. The birds, noticing the hunters' plight, decided to help. They flew down and spoke to the hunters, saying that they knew the secret of jochi pintao. The birds revealed that the peccary had been protecting something valuable—a hidden food source.

Guided by the birds, the hunters followed jochi pintao once more, this time without trying to catch it. The peccary led them to a clearing where they discovered an unusual plant growing in the ground. This plant was yuca. The hunters dug up the roots, and the birds taught them how to prepare and cook the yuca. It turned into a nourishing meal.

The Tacana believed that the yuca was a gift from the forest spirits. They honored jochi pintao and the birds for ensuring their survival. From then on, yuca became a staple food for the Tacana people. They respected the animals and the forest that provided for them. This story shows the importance of cooperation between humans and nature.