In the songs of the Huni Kuin and the Yawanawá, “haux haux” opens the song and closes it. It is the word of yes, so be it, in harmony. Here are two recordings where you can hear it sung.
What haux means
Haux (said “haush”) is a word of affirmation: yes, I agree, so be it, in harmony. Huni Kuin stories say it was the first sound made by the jiboia, the great boa. For the full meaning, how it is used in ceremony, and what the elders say about using it, read Haux Haux: meaning of the Huni Kuin word of affirmation.
How to listen
When a song ends with “haux haux”, don’t rush to the next one. Stay in the silence for a breath or two. That is where the word does its work.




