Resplendent in tribal headgear and body point, with bows and arrows held aloft, aiming their weapons at Brasilia's riot police, these indigenous protesters took on horse-mounted riot police armed with tear gas and shields.
These were the extraordinary scenes just hours before Brazil's World Cup team began their training for the tournament, as the índios attempted to force their way toward the capital's National Stadium, firing arrows and throwing rocks.
Brazil's Native Population Protests
(01 of27)
Open Image Modal Protesters in traditional headdress squared off against Brazilian police mounted on horses
(02 of27)
Open Image ModalAn indigenous man protests against the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brasilia (credit:Getty Images)
(03 of27)
Open Image ModalBrazilian social movement activists clash with riot police (credit:Getty Images)
(04 of27)
Open Image ModalPolice in the Brazilian capital fired tear gas to break up a protest by Indian chiefs and groups opposed to the money being spent to host the World Cup (credit:Getty Images)
(05 of27)
Open Image ModalMen cover their faces as police hurl tear gas at protesters (credit:Getty Images)
(06 of27)
Open Image ModalIndians clash with military police during a protest against the FIFA World Cup outside the National Stadium
(07 of27)
Open Image ModalOne policeman was shot in the leg by an arrow
(08 of27)
Open Image ModalA demonstrator throws stones at riot policemen (credit:Getty Images)
(09 of27)
Open Image ModalA riot policeman confronts protesters during clashes (credit:Getty Images)
(10 of27)
Open Image ModalThe protesters were joined by indigenous people demanding land rights (credit:Getty Images)
(11 of27)
Open Image ModalEarlier, Brazilian natives from different ethnic groups had protested in front of the Planalto palace (credit:Getty Images)
(12 of27)
Open Image ModalMen and women came in tribal dress (credit:Getty Images)
(13 of27)
Open Image ModalThe demonstration took place outside the official workplace of Brazil's Presidency (credit:Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalBrazilian chief Raoni attended the protest in front of the Planalto palace (credit:Getty Images)
(15 of27)
Open Image ModalDifferent ethnic groups protest atop of the National Congress (credit:Getty Images)
(16 of27)
Open Image ModalThe indigenous demonstrators joined those who are protesting for social change (credit:Getty Images)
(17 of27)
Open Image ModalMilitary policemen launch tear gas grenades against indigenous demonstrators during a protest against the FIFA World Cup (credit:AP)
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Open Image ModalProtesters in traditional headdress points his bow and arrow towards the police (credit:AP)
(19 of27)
Open Image ModalAn Indigenous protester in traditional headdress runs with his bow (credit:AP)
(20 of27)
Open Image ModalA military police officer fires a tear gas grenade against demonstrators (credit:AP)
(21 of27)
Open Image ModalAn Indigenous protester in traditional headdress gets ready to fire an arrow against the military police (credit:AP)
(22 of27)
Open Image ModalDemonstrators held spears and bows and arrows, in traditional battle gear (credit:Getty Images)
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Open Image Modal (credit:AP)
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Open Image Modal (credit:AP)
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Open Image Modal (credit:AP)
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Open Image Modal (credit:AP)
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Open Image Modal (credit:AP)
The country has been no stranger to anti-World Cup demonstrations, from Brasilia, to Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, from activists angry at the multi-billion cost of staging the tournament in a country where the poorest 34% receive less than 1.2% of the nation's income.
Brasilia's stadium will cost roughly three times the price tag first budgeted, approximately 1.9 billion reais (£500m), a report from city auditors said last week.
Though smaller than the million-strong protests that rocked the South American nation during 2013, never before have demonstrations taken on this colour, as activists were joined by 300 indigenous protesters who had been staging a separate sit-in at Congress demanding land rights.
The tribesmen are known for their Brasilia protests outside government buildings, but this is the first time they have joined the social change activists charge against the World Cup.
One policeman was reportedly shot in the leg by an arrow, Huff Post correspondents at the Brasil Post reported, with protesters aiming their weapons at the Congress building, then at police.
The protester who shot arrows at police has been arrested and detained. The newspaper Globo reported that at least two indigenous people were also injured.
In an attempt to cool inflamed tensions as kick-off draws closer, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has promised the Homeless Worker's movement that squatters in makeshift encampments around the stadiums will receive government housing.
But Brazil will call in troops to prevent protests disrupting football games and threatening fans' safety, she has warned.