MAKUNA

LOCATION

Makuna or “Gente de Agua“. They live in a territory between the rivers Comena, Apaporis, Pira-Paraná, at the south Vaupes department. They share their territory with the Karijona, Kubeo, Matapí, Miraña, Tanimuka and Yukuna in safeguarding of Mirití-Paraná, located at Amazonas department.

POPULATION

Its population is estimated at 1.009 people.

LIVING

The current trend to live in houses on stilts, clustered in communities of less than 150 people. Has reduced the number of inhabitants in the communal houses.

SOCIO-POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

Their social organization is composed of seven groups. They are also grouped into two exogamous phratries: Ide Weight and Mass Yiba. The exchange between the two women becomes phratries.

ECONOMY

They have developed systems of shifting slash and burn because of the low fertility of soils near rivers and Pira Paraná. Also grow a variety of fruit, tubers and plants for ceremonial use. They also practice hunting, fishing and gathering.