The Kayapo people live in the Amazon River Basin of Brazil in an area that is about the size of Austria, with villages that are along the Xingu River. Their territory is made up of mostly tropical rain forests. The word "Kayapo" means "resembling apes" and was probably given to the group by others because sometimes the men dance in monkey masks.

Circles are one of the tribe's main symbols because the course of the sun and moon are curcular. Body paint, which is worn at all times, is very symbolic in their culture. It is a display of status and social behavior. Red and black are the two main colors worn. Men and boys apply their own paint, using their hands. Children are painted by their mothers who use fancy designs on them. Women get together every 10 days to reapply their own body paint. The Kayapo still practice many of their ceremonies and rituals, but are moving toward more modern ways.