Baniwa

Baniwa

Walimanai
Baniwa School at the Içana River
Total population
17,646 (2014)
Regions with significant populations
Brazil ( Amazonas) 7,145 (2014)[1]
Colombia 7,000 (2000)[1]
Venezuela ( Amazonas) 3,501 (2011)[1]
Languages
Baniwa, Portuguese
Religion
Traditional tribal religion
Related ethnic groups
Kuripako people[1]

Baniwa (also known with local variants as Baniva, Baniua, Curipaco,^[1] Vaniva, Walimanai, Wakuenai) are indigenous South Americans, who speak the Baniwa language belonging to the Maipurean (Arawak) language family. They live in the Amazon Region, in the border area of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela and along the Rio Negro and its tributaries.

There are an estimated 7,145 Baniwa in Brazil, 7,000 in Colombia and 3,501 in Venezuela's Amazonas State, according to Brazil's Instituto Socioambiental,^[1] but accurate figures are almost impossible to come by given the nature of the rainforest.

The Baniwa people rely mainly on manioc cultivation and fishing for subsistence. They are also known for the fine basketry that they skillfully produce.