Palmas, 11/6/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Brazilian Indian Peoples' games (Jogos dos Povos Indigenas), which are taking place in Palmas, capital city of the state of Tocantins, has turned into a spectacle of tribal art and artists as Indians from all over Brazil exhibit and sell their handicrafts.

Palmas is located on the banks of the Tocantins River, an Amazon River tributary. The games are taking place at the Graciosa Beach (Praia da Graciosa). No less than 32 ethnic groups are particpating and an average of 20,000 spectators attend events daily.

Although there are a number of Indian tribes who live in the vicinity of Palmas, there are others who are not so close. For example, the Wai-Wai, known for their excellent artwork, travelled by canoe for a week to arrive. And the Pataxó have decided to innovate by selling CDs with Indian music and songs. (AB)