Adventurous Filmmaker Dakota Wint Explores the Hidden World of Unique Traditions

Different communities have different traditions, taboos, and religious beliefs. Although these customs are starting to fade in some communities, in others, they still uphold them. Dakota Wint is a globetrotter who has experienced different cultural traditions and shares his experience on his social media platforms.

Besides being a globetrotter, he doubles as an influencer, content creator, and filmmaker. Dakota is also a poet and author looking to launch his first book in the coming months.

Being a passionate traveler and avid lover of exploration, Dakota took to the road inspired to bring the hidden world of unique traditions, rituals, and religious practices to his audience after finishing his studies.

His first adventure landed him in India, where he spent a year studying the different yoga sects. However, during his stay, Dakota discovered something interesting. He came across a group of human-eating-cannibals in the holy city of Varanasi, called ‘the Aghori.’ 

Having interviewed this community, Dakota explains how the Aghori carry out postmortem rituals and use dead bodies in their spiritual practices to obtain earthly powers and spiritual enlightenment.

In another escapade, Dakota found himself amongst the Amazonian tribe, the Shipibo in Peru. Curious about learning their traditions and way of life, Dakota embarked on a journey to quench his curiosity. 

“Living in the remote jungles in a few different areas like Iquitos or Pucallpa, the Shipibo have extensive knowledge of the medicinal plant species in their area,” explains Dakota. “The Shipibo are also the heirs to a mystical world of plant magic, often referring to their jungle as a farmacia or pharmacy,” he says.

“Additionally, the Shipibo have a ceremonial ritual with their medicine referred to as oni. To the world, it is best known as ayahuasca,” notes Dakota. Ayahuasca in the Quechua language means “the vine of souls” or “vine of death.” From different interviews with the Shipibo people, Dakota learned that ayahuasca has the potential to be used for all sorts of benefits, from overcoming depression and trauma to addiction.

Currently living in Mexico, Dakota is looking to learn more about the shamanic practices found in Mexico’s indigenous communities. During his stay, he has been privileged to spend a significant amount of time with the Mazatecas of Oaxaca, descended from famous healer Maria Sabina who arguably introduced the mainstream world to the psychedelic experience and a profound “alternative” way of healing.

“The Mazatecas of Oaxaca strongly believe in magic mushrooms (or los ninos santos) as their main medicine,” explains Dakota. Speaking to the people of Mazatecas, Dakota experienced the use of magic mushrooms and Salvia divinorum—the divine seeing plants. He has also experienced the different traditions and beliefs of the Seri people north of Sonora.

Exploring different cultures has a number of benefits. Not only do we get to expand our knowledge, but we also get to see things from a different perspective. Determined to shed light on different customs, Dakota Wint continues to explore the world of unique cultural traditions.