I thought that the lack of translation and subtitles for the native Iguase indians provided this film with an authentic depiction of various elements of shamanism. First, Cabeza de Vaca is shown trying to escape from his captors by running through the jungle aimlessly; as this is happening, a shaman has tethered a lizard to a wooden pole in the ground. As the lizard struggles to escape, it becomes closer and closer to the pole. This ritual is representative of Cabeza de Vaca’s escape attempt, which abruptly ends after sprinting wildly through the jungle only to return to where to first started. The shamanistic ritual was able to draw him back to his captors, who laughed at him upon his return.
Additionally, the shaman begins to teach Vaca rituals involved in the art of healing which he is able to put to good use during his journeys surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to learning these skills, however, Cabeza de Vaca is required to recite a poem from the shaman. After doing do, he is portrayed as being “reborn” and is shown lying in the fetal position. I thought it was interesting that he had to be “reborn” to utilize these shamanistic powers and rituals, maybe so that he would denounce himself of any impurities or biases within him and only be able to use his powers for good, without fear of spiteful intervention.
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