In order to become a member of the Sateré-Mawé, a tribe of roughly ten thousand members that inhabits the northern region of Amazonas, boys as young as twelve will thrust their hands into gloves full of bullet ants, whose sting is said to be the most painful thing on the planet. Anthony and Jeff discuss initiation rituals, and whether there is ever a good reason to subject oneself such intense agony.
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Today’s story was sent in by Ben Floreancig: https://sites.psu.edu/mgeitnerrcl/2013/11/16/satere-mawe-initiation/
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