Macushi

The Macushi (Portuguese: Macuxi) are an ethnic group of Guyana and northern Brazil. There are approximately 15,000 Macushi speakers in Brazil and 9,000 in Guyana.

Origins

The Macushi see themselves as descendants of the sun's children, whom created fire, as well as diseases, and they also believe they discovered Washacá - Tree of Life. The Macushi believe in the life principle - stkaton - and they believe it comes from the sun.

Lifestyle

They live in villages linked together by tracks and paths, with houses built round a central court yard.When married, the Macushi couple lives in the wife's family's village and the father-in-law is of great importance in Macushi kinship.

History

The Brazilian Govern have set up schools, as well as hospitals for the Macushi and since 2005 they are campaigning for land rights to be recognized throughout Brazil. Some individuals from the Macushi tribe are very well educated. In the trial for the land rights, Ms. Joênia Batista de Carvalho Wapichna was the first layer with Indian roots to have a speech in the STF (Superior Tribunal Federal).