What is wayana?

The Wayana people, also known as the Aparaïma, are an indigenous group belonging to the Cariban linguistic family. They live in the remote rainforests of northern Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname. The Wayana people are known for their unique culture and traditions, including their exceptional basket weaving, wood carving, and body painting.

The Wayana people traditionally practice subsistence agriculture and hunt and fish for their food. They have a strong connection to nature and believe in living in harmony with the environment. They have their own language, which is part of the Cariban language family, but many also speak French, Portuguese, and Dutch.

The Wayana people have faced many challenges to their way of life, including the loss of traditional lands to mining and logging companies, as well as the impact of diseases brought by outsiders. Despite these challenges, the Wayana people have maintained their survival as a unique cultural group and have continued to preserve their traditional practices and beliefs.