The
Wayana (alternate names:
Ajana,
Uaiana,
Alucuyana,
Guaque,
Ojana,
Orcocoyana,
Pirixi,
Urukuena,
Waiano etc.) are a
Carib-speakingCarib, Island Carib or Kalinago people, after whom the Caribbean Sea was named, live in the Lesser Antilles islands. They are an Amerindian people whose origins lie in the southern West Indies and the northern coast of South America....
people located in the south-eastern part of the Guiana highlands, a regin divided between
BrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is a country in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America, the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean...
, Surinam, and
French GuianaFrench Guiana is an overseas department of France, located on the northern coast of South America. It has borders with two nations, Brazil and Suriname. Like the other DOMs, French Guiana is also an overseas region of France, one of the 26 regions of France. Its currency is the euro...
. In 1980, when the last census took place, the Wayana numbered some 1,500 individuals, of which 150 in
BrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is a country in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America, the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean...
, among the
ApalaiA native nation of Brazil's Amazonia. They were sedentary slash and burn farmers, necessitating periodic relocation as soil became exhausted, but also hunters and gatherers. They spoke a Carib language and in the 20th century their subsistence shifted towards artisan work as they attempted to adapt...
, 400 in Surinam, and 1,000 in
French GuianaFrench Guiana is an overseas department of France, located on the northern coast of South America. It has borders with two nations, Brazil and Suriname. Like the other DOMs, French Guiana is also an overseas region of France, one of the 26 regions of France. Its currency is the euro...
, along the
Maroni RiverThe Maroni or Marowijne is a river in South America. It originates in the Tumuk Humak Mountains and forms the border between French Guiana and Suriname...
.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Wayana' Start a new discussion about 'Wayana' Answer questions from other users |
The
Wayana (alternate names:
Ajana,
Uaiana,
Alucuyana,
Guaque,
Ojana,
Orcocoyana,
Pirixi,
Urukuena,
Waiano etc.) are a
Carib-speakingCarib, Island Carib or Kalinago people, after whom the Caribbean Sea was named, live in the Lesser Antilles islands. They are an Amerindian people whose origins lie in the southern West Indies and the northern coast of South America....
people located in the south-eastern part of the Guiana highlands, a regin divided between
BrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is a country in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America, the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean...
, Surinam, and
French GuianaFrench Guiana is an overseas department of France, located on the northern coast of South America. It has borders with two nations, Brazil and Suriname. Like the other DOMs, French Guiana is also an overseas region of France, one of the 26 regions of France. Its currency is the euro...
. In 1980, when the last census took place, the Wayana numbered some 1,500 individuals, of which 150 in
BrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is a country in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America, the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean...
, among the
ApalaiA native nation of Brazil's Amazonia. They were sedentary slash and burn farmers, necessitating periodic relocation as soil became exhausted, but also hunters and gatherers. They spoke a Carib language and in the 20th century their subsistence shifted towards artisan work as they attempted to adapt...
, 400 in Surinam, and 1,000 in
French GuianaFrench Guiana is an overseas department of France, located on the northern coast of South America. It has borders with two nations, Brazil and Suriname. Like the other DOMs, French Guiana is also an overseas region of France, one of the 26 regions of France. Its currency is the euro...
, along the
Maroni RiverThe Maroni or Marowijne is a river in South America. It originates in the Tumuk Humak Mountains and forms the border between French Guiana and Suriname...
. About half of them still spoke their original language.