Kamayurá people
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kamayurá are an indigenous tribe in the Amazonian Basin of Brazil. The name is also spelled Kamayura, and Kamaiurá in Portuguese; it means "a raised platform to keep meat, pots and pans." The Kamayurá language belongs to the Tupi-Guarani family
The Kamayurá live in the Upper Xingu region along with Kiabi, Yudja and Suya tribes. The ways of life of these four tribes are quite similar despite having different languages. Their villages are situated around Lake Ipavu, which is six kilometres from the Kuluene River.
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[edit] Population
In 2002 there were an estimated 355 people. Their numbers had made a good recovery from an all-time low of 94 people recorded in 1954, the previous reduction in numbers due to the measles epidemic. The total population was 264 when adventurer Von Den Stein originally visited the area.
[edit] Description of villages
The Kamayurá village comprises of a round roof that is decorated with sape grass and the ‘house of the flutes’ contain important flute (jakui) instruments that can only be played by the men. In front of that house there is a meeting area where the men discuss fishing trips or plan festivals and so on.
The food is generally fish, beiju, porridge, pepper and bananas. The house is generally dark and is where the women and children dwell. The rainforest surround the entire village and private gardens can also be found.
[edit] History
The Kamayurá have been living in the south shore of lake Ipavu since about 1900. The elders claim that their ancestors came from the far north of the park. They migrated to the present location after having several conflicts with the Suya and Yudja peoples. By 1946 the tribes were affected by occasional contacts with European explorers such as the Villas Boas brothers.
The region was declared a national park by the Brazilian authorities in 1961, intended to prevent further intrusions and spread of deadly epidemics to locals.
[edit] Social organisation
The Kamayurá society comprises several villages, a group of brothers being the owner of each household. They decide what tasks and productive activities should be conducted each day by its members.
After marriage the husband moves and lives in the wife’s parents’ house. Strong alliances can be established through marriages.
The genders are separated shortly after puberty. The boys are taught how to hunt for food with an arrow, do hard labour, and create a basket. Wrestling is done daily which strengthens their muscles. They are also trained in combat and taught leadership skills so they are able to look after their own families later on. This segregation lasts for up to five years before returning.
The teenage girls during seclusion must learn how to weave mats, and perform many basic everyday household duties. After a few years she is then ready for marriage and is given a new name and her ear is pierced. The girls also learn how to dance and look after the family.
[edit] Trade
Bows and arrows (made with high quality materials), snail-shell belts and ceramic pots are traded with other tribes. Fish nets, canoes, flutes and hammocks are made as specialised goods.
[edit] Hunting and gathering
Birds and animals are hunted in the rainforest while wild berries are gathered as the main food supplement. Eagles can be a supplement for fish. Honey is also collected.
[edit] References
- Lucy Seki, Gramática do Kamaiurá, Língua Tupi-Guarani do Alto Xingu. 482 pages + 17 color photo album; includes 10 pages on their culture and history, and a 100-line clip of a mythological tale. Editora UNICAMP and São Paulo State Official Press (2000, in Portuguese). ISBN 85-268-0498-7.
