Hands Around the World

Indian Cultures from Around the World

Kanamari Indians

Area: Vale do Javari - Amazonas, Brazil (Map)

Other Names: Tüküná, Canamari

Population: 1,327 (1999)

Language Root: Katukina (Alofilo)

First Contact: 1940

Economy: Agriculture and Rubber

Today: Deculturalized due to Extreme Alcohol

First contacts reported a culture very old and a tribe rich in song, dance, and traditions. One of the few tribes that used permanent facial tattoos and were noted for their ability as Curandeiros or Medicinal Healers. In less than 50 years, they have traded their past for alcohol. The effect physically and culturally has been devastating. Alcohol was introduced by the rubber companies and was used to keep the Kanamari in debt and enslaved.

 

Additional Information

Information sources

Tsohon-Djapa on Ajuricaba expedition - with pictures

Projeto Canamari

Índios do Vale do Javari (AM) pedem socorro

Terra Indígena Vale do Javari é finalmente homologada

Mais dez Terras Indígenas são homologadas

Ministro da Justiça declara posse indígena de seis terras

Funai aprova limites para a Terra Indígena Vale do Javari

Anunciados os primeiros projetos indígenas financiados pelo PDPI

Click here to visit our Native American Indian

market for baskets, pottery, and other hand made crafts

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