Jaguaric Foundations in the Guyanese Highlands

In the highland cosmologies of the Guianas — notably among the Makushi, Patamona, and Wapishana — the jaguar (yawahu, jagwa, tiger) embodies several intertwined functions:

Guardian of thresholds between forest and settlement, life and spirit. Regulator of ecological harmony, maintaining balance among beings.

Agent of transformation — humans and shamans may shift into jaguar form to mediate between worlds.

Bearer of sound — its roar symbolizes thunder, announcing the arrival of spiritual force.