Today in focus: the Xavante people. The Xavante language (Macro-Jê stock: Central Jê) is spoken by about 9.600 people in the area surrounding Eastern Mato Grosso, Brazil (Ethnologue, 2006). In the literature they are also known as Akwe, A’we, and Tapacua (Fabre, 2005). The Xavante groups were contacted about 1950s. This caused many diseases that killed hundreds. Similar to other Jê peoples, the Xavante did not practise slash-and-burn agriculture and, after the contact, they were forced to abandon their semi-nomadic means of survival. Also, traditionally, the Xavante (like other Jê peoples) did not use hammocks or canoes, and had no pottery. The Xavante people group themselves into clans, lineages, and factions. The broadest category is the patrilineal clan, and the clans are distinguished by facial paint. The Xavante believe their people began when the three clans rose from the ground. If you are interested in the Xavante language, on Etnolingüística there is Estevams thesis on the Xavante morphosyntax (in French) (2011). Have a look at this 30 mins long documentary about the Waiá ritual of the Xavante Indians (2000). Quite interesting!
Posted on: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 02:00:57 +0000
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