The Makuna are an Indigenous people from Brazil and Colombia. They were known for making light paddles and for their skill in hunting and fishing. During the 1900s, many Makuna were enslaved to work in the rubber trade, leading to great suffering and loss of life. Later, gold mining and other forms of exploitation damaged their lands and environment. Today, they live in officially recognized indigenous territories and have access to primary schools.
Until the 1970s, Makuna families lived together in large communal houses called malocas. Nowadays, each family has its own house, but the maloca remains the center for ceremonies and gatherings. Men and women have distinct roles. Women are responsible for farming, cooking, and making pottery, while men are connected to the forest, preparing gardens, hunting, fishing, and crafting canoes, baskets, and tools. Fishing is more important than hunting, and both men and women take part in it.
The maloca has symbolic and spiritual importance. Its construction follows traditional designs and rituals, including blessings by the shaman with tobacco smoke.
The Makunas are deeply involved in shamanic rituals. They have a Christian presence, but their faith in Christ is often tainted by faith in the spirit world.
Like most Indigenous peoples in Brazil, they need better support in both health and education.
Pray that the truth of the gospel will be shared with them in a way that leads them to reject every idol and false god.
Pray that the walls they have built over the decades against Christianity—because of their history—will fall, so they can be open to understanding the truth.
Ask God to send mature believers who can make disciples and reveal the one true God to them.
Scripture Prayers for the Makuna, Jepa-Matsi in Colombia.
https://pib.socioambiental.org/pt/Povo:Makuna#:~:text=%C3%89%20a%20etnia%20mais%20numerosa,na%20cidade%20de%20S%C3%A3o%20Gabriel.
https://antropos.org.uk/183-makuna/
https://indigenasbrasileiros.blogspot.com/2020/06/makuna.html
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
