History of the Kayapo
The Kayapo people live along the Xingu River near the Amazon Basin in Brazil. Before being pacified by the government in the late 1960s the Kayapo people practiced warrior culture that included raids and teaching boys to fight at a young age. The early 1970s marked a superficial change in which the Kayapo adopted several elements of modern culture, as well as the beginning of a long lasting war over their land. In 1988 they secured rights to their land via the Brazilian government, but struggled when the Kararao Dam was introduced in 1989. The Kararao Dam caused major flooding in many of their villages and caused tribes to band together and protest the dam building.
The Kayapo people now live in a traditional manner with modern influences, but are still struggling to hold on to their land and maintain a conventional lifestyle.
The Kayapo people live along the Xingu River near the Amazon Basin in Brazil. Before being pacified by the government in the late 1960s the Kayapo people practiced warrior culture that included raids and teaching boys to fight at a young age. The early 1970s marked a superficial change in which the Kayapo adopted several elements of modern culture, as well as the beginning of a long lasting war over their land. In 1988 they secured rights to their land via the Brazilian government, but struggled when the Kararao Dam was introduced in 1989. The Kararao Dam caused major flooding in many of their villages and caused tribes to band together and protest the dam building.
The Kayapo people now live in a traditional manner with modern influences, but are still struggling to hold on to their land and maintain a conventional lifestyle.
Daily Life
The Kayapo village usually consists of a central clearing in the trees, surrounded by homes. In the center of the clearing is a open space for village gatherings, and other activities. Food is gathered on a mostly individual basis. They Kayapo people hunt for small animals and birds, as well as fish. Fish is the main source of protein in the Kayapo diet. Men do most of the hunting and fishing, while women do most of the gathering. Women make necklaces and jewelry.
The Kayapo village usually consists of a central clearing in the trees, surrounded by homes. In the center of the clearing is a open space for village gatherings, and other activities. Food is gathered on a mostly individual basis. They Kayapo people hunt for small animals and birds, as well as fish. Fish is the main source of protein in the Kayapo diet. Men do most of the hunting and fishing, while women do most of the gathering. Women make necklaces and jewelry.