Tapayuna people

The Tapayuna (autonym: Kajkwakratxi), also known as Tapayúna, Western Suyá and Beiço-de-Pau are an indigenous people native to the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Their population was around 167 in 2020.^[1]

Language[edit]

The Tapayuna speak the Tapayuna language, a Northern Jê language closely related and mutually intelligible with the Kĩsêdjê language^[3][4][1].

History[edit]

The Tapayuna historically lived on the Arinos River, in the Tapajós basin, between Juruena and Aripuanã.^{[5]: 34–5} They were decimated in mid-20th century as a result of numerous conflicts with Brazilian settlers, rubber tappers, and ranchers; it is estimated that their population declined 90% until reaching 41 individuals in 1969,^{[5]: 36–40 [6][7]: 9} which has been characterized as an ethnocide.^{[5]: 37–38} The surviving Tapayúna were then transferred to Xingu Indigenous Park at some point between 1969 and 1970, resulting in 10 more deaths.^[6] At first, they stayed with the Kĩsêdjê, speakers of a closely related language.^{[5]: 41–2} Later, many Tapayúna moved to Terra Indígena Capoto-Jarina, where they went on to live with the Mẽtyktire subgroup of the Kayapó people, speakers of another Northern Jê language, Mẽbêngôkre.^{[5]: 42–3}

Society[edit]

The Tapayuna are generally monogamous; however, the pajé is allowed to marry two women. After marriage, a Tapayuna man must take up residence in his father-in-law's house.^[1]

References[edit]