Demographics Wayuu people

1 demographics

1.1 clans
1.2 language
1.3 religion , society

demographics

the wayuu largest indigenous ethnic group in colombia.

according 1997 census in colombia, wayuu population numbered approximately 144,003 – representing 20% of colombia s total amerindian population , 48% of population of department of la guajira. wayuu occupy total area of 4,171 square miles (10,800 km) within approximately ten indian reservations, 8 of located south of department (including major 1 called carraipia).

in venezuela, wayuu population estimated @ 293,777, according 2001 census, 60,000 living in city of maracaibo. makes wayuu largest indigenous group in venezuela, representing 57.5% of amerindian population.

wayuu communities not uniformly distributed within these territories, population concentrated in outskirts of such settlements nazareth , jala ala, on plains of wopu muin , uribia, , within municipalities of maicao , manaure, population densities of highest in peninsula. irregular distribution intimately related seasonal changes in weather – during dry season, significant proportion of population crosses border venezuela work in city of maracaibo , nearby settlements; once rainy season begins, these wayuu tend return homes on colombian side.

the wayuu people refer wayuu , not acknowledge term indian , preferring instead term people . use terms kusina or indian refer other ethnic indigenous groups, while using term alijuna (essentially meaning civilized ) refer outsiders or persons of european ancestry.

clans

wayuu improvised hutch hang hammocks

families in wayuu culture divided clans, of are:

language

the wayuu language, called wayuunaiki, part of arawak language family predominant in different parts of caribbean. there small differences in dialect within region of la guajira: northern, central or southern zones. of younger generation speak spanish fluently understand importance of preserving traditional language.

to promote cultural integration , bilingual education among wayuus , other colombians, kamusuchiwo u ethno-educative center, or centro etnoeducativo kamusuchiwo u, started initiative create first illustrated wayuunaiki-spanish, spanish-wayuunaiki dictionary.[1]

religion , society

the central figure of wayuu religion maleiwa (god) creator of everything, of wayuu , founder of society. pulowi , juya, spiritual beings, demigods, married couple associated procreation , life, pulowi female figure related wind , dry seasons, , juya male, nomad , related hunting seen powerful killer. wanülu represents evil spirit being of illness, , death.

children born @ home, assisted mother-in-law or nearest female relative. priority placed on well-being of child women prefer feed children first , follow strict diets when survival of children not assured.

puberty not important among boys, girls exposed rituals 12 years old or when start menstruating, requiring them go through period of seclusion anywhere 2 months 2 years. girl obliged have head shaved , rest in chinchorro, large hammock hung near house. fed special vegetarian diet called jaguapi, , bathes frequently. wayuu girl taught female tasks such sewing, weaving, cooking, how wife , other female issues including birth control , pregnancy.

women play important roles in society, not quite matriarchal one. wayuu want women wise , mature. marriages arranged , accompanied dowry, given mother s brothers , uncles. young girls promised men of clan young 11 years old, around time becoming of child-bearing age. perceived intention wed man before risking pregnancy out of wedlock or arrangement, cause of great social shame, woman s family s honor , credibility. man may have multiple wives (polygamy).

the wayuu believe life cycle not end death, relationship 1 s bones continues. burials important. relatives of dead act in way: first, body buried personal belongings; after 5 years, bones exhumed, put ceramics or chinchorro (hammock), , reburied in clan s cemetery.