Macushi

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The Macushi (Portuguese: Macuxi) are an ethnic group of Guyana and northern Brazil. There are approximately 15,000 Macushi speakers in Brazil and 9,000 in Guyana.

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[edit] Origins

The Macushi see themselves as descendants of the sun's children, whom created fire, as well as diseases, and they also believe they discovered Washacá - Tree of Life. The Macushi believe in the life principle - stkaton - and they believe it comes from the sun.

[edit] Lifestyle

They live in villages linked together by tracks and paths, with houses built round a central court yard.When married, the Macushi couple lives in the wife's family's village and the father-in-law is of great importance in Macushi kinship.

[edit] History

The Macushi have set up schools, as well as hospitals and they are campaigning for land rights to be recognized throughout Brazil.

[edit] References