Introduction / History

Marubo is a name designated by outsiders. This indigenous Brazilian group only has names for their subgroups, not their group as a whole. Marubo contact with whites started with Peruvians who were seeking gum trees in the early 1800s. Then they were contacted by Brazilians in the late 1800s to early 1900s during a rubber boom. Their population was decimated, most likely from introduced diseases. The rubber boom ended in 1912 when it became cheaper to purchase rubber from Malaysia. By that time the Marubo had become dependent on metal goods, so they looked for white people for trade. They established trade with them starting in 1950 and began to exchange furs and rubber for metal manufactured goods. That is when New Tribes Mission first established themselves nearby. Soon loggers arrived, and the Marubo traded with them.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Marubo society, men clear forests to plant banana trees and manioc. Men hunt, make canoes, drums and benches. Women tend gardens where they grow bananas and manioc. They make hammocks, pottery, shell-based jewelry and clothing. Women make elaborate meals. Body painting is the job of women. It is used for both aesthetic and magical purposes.

Recently, the tribe received internet access when someone sponsored Starlink access. The tribe now worries that their way of life is being disrupted due to online scams, pornography and exposure to Western culture. They worry the younger generation is becoming lazy and have curbed the time allowed online.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Despite decades of work by New Tribes Mission, the Marubo have not embraced Evangelicalism. Some are Roman Catholic, but most are tied to their traditional shamanistic religion.

What Are Their Needs?

The Marubo people need to put Jesus at the center of their spiritual lives so they can experience life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual change in the Marubo people that will result in Christ-centered lives.
Pray for Marubo Christ followers to disciple others in his ways.
Pray for a Holy Spirit revival in Brazil’s Roman Catholic Church that will draw millions to the only Savior.
Pray the tribe will be able to use internet access to engage with Scripture and discipleship rather than access to the darker side of the web.

Scripture Prayers for the Marubo in Brazil.

References

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/marubo
https://pib.socioambiental.org/en/Povo:Marubo