Sumu in Nicaragua


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Sumu of Nicaragua are known as “Mayangna,” or “the people,” in their own language. At one time, the Sumu occupied a large part of Central America. Primarily nomadic, they took traditional occupations of hunting, fishing, gathering and farming. The invasion of European peoples negatively affected the population rate, and the Sumu suffered from new diseases and slavery. After the introduction of firearms to Nicaragua, the Miskito people conquered the Sumu. Survivors lived in isolation from outside influence. In the 1980s, conflict between the Nicaraguan government and Indian resistance forces decimated the Sumu population. Since then, the Nicaraguan government has created a more accepting atmosphere for the Sumu, and many have begun to reclaim cultural identity. However, they are a fading people group, and may soon be absorbed into the Miskito.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Sumu are a rainforest people, settling near rivers. Their houses are designed with thatch or tin roofs, split bamboo, elevated palm floors, and post-and-pole framed structures. Farming is still a dominant profession, with plantains and bananas being staple foods. Hunting is also a popular activity, though weapons have morphed from archery, spears and blowguns to rifles and shotguns. Fishing provides an additional source of sustenance and income.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Little is known about the pre-colonial Sumu beliefs. Today, the Sumu adhere to Moravian spiritual teachings. They believe in the Christian design of the universe, holding to the traditional doctrines on sin, heaven and hell.


What Are Their Needs?

The Sumu need to put Christ first in their lives.


Prayer Points

Praise God for providing the Bible for this people group.
Ask him to enable the Sumu to follow Jesus and make disciples.
Pray for workers to be sent into the harvest, sharing the gospel in a culturally relevant way.
Pray also for believers among the Sumu to take the gospel to the unreached in their region. Ask God to protect this people group from false doctrine.
Pray for unity among believers, as well as a commitment to Biblical truth.


Scripture Prayers for the Sumu in Nicaragua.


References

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sumu
https://www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Sumu-and-Miskito.html
https://www.everyculture.com/Middle-America-Caribbean/Sumu.html


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Sumu
People Name in Country Sumu
Alternate Names Honduran Sumu; Nicaraguan Sumo; Sumo; Tawahka
Population this Country 12,000
Population all Countries 22,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 3
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13390
ROP3 Code 107313
Country Nicaragua
Region America, Latin
Continent North America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 30  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Atlántico Norte and Jinotega departments: Bambana and Tungi along Waspuk river; Santo Tomás de Umbra on the upper Wawa; Panamahka dialect along Wanki river; Tuahka dialect: Wasakin area near Rosita.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Nicaragua
Region America, Latin
Continent North America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 30  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Atlántico Norte and Jinotega departments: Bambana and Tungi along Waspuk river; Santo Tomás de Umbra on the upper Wawa; Panamahka dialect along Wanki river; Tuahka dialect: Wasakin area near Rosita..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 1.40 %)
85.00 %
Ethnic Religions
10.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
5.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Mayangna (12,000 speakers)
Language Code yan   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Mayangna (12,000 speakers)
Language Code yan   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Mayangna
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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