Karajá

South Americaprimarily hunter-gatherers
Map
expand_more Description

The Karajá are found on or near the island of Bananal on the middle Rio Araguaia, in central Brazil. Settlements consist of houses strung along rivers, and subsistence is based primarily on fishing, supplemented by shifting horticulture, hunting, and gathering. There is some participation in the market economy through commercial fishing, cattle herding, and handicrafts for sale to tourists, especially weaving. Dual descent emphasizes the matriline, although patrilineal moieties determine inheritance of ceremonial roles and chieftainship.

Identifier
Region
  • South America
Subregion
  • Eastern South America
Subsistence Type
  • primarily hunter-gatherers
Samples
Countries
  • Brazil
External Links