Introduction / History

The Kalapalo people of Central Brazil live in a national reserve that is protected on all sides. They have been isolated from the Brazilian social and economic influences that reach almost every other tribal people. Thus, the culture of the Kalapalo has been mostly undisturbed by the outside world.

Kalapalo are hunter-gatherers who also engage in simple farming.

Some portions of Scripture and Gospel Recordings are available in the Kalapalo language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kalapalo live essentially as their ancestors did. The men hunt monkeys, birds and wild pigs. Men also fish the local rivers. Women gather edible forest products and grow manioc and melons. Once the soil and game from one area is depleted, the Kalapalo often move to another place.

Life expectancy is low among the Kalapalo, about 45 years. They die from the flu, TB, other contagious diseases or parasites. The Kalapalo lack schools for their children. As a result, many are unable to read and write.

The Kalapalo marry within their group. Many children die before their tenth birthday. It is the sons' responsibility to take care of his parents in their final years.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kalapalo people look to the darkening sky for "The Shadow." This shadow is the spirit of their deceased patriarch, coming to visit his grieving family for the last time before he traveled east (in the direction of the sunrise) to forever live in the village of the dead.

God has prepared this people to receive the Messiah through their own indigenous folklore, which includes a creator of all things (Kwatini), and a female savior figure from whom all men originally came (Sakefenu). In addition, they believe that upon death, all men travel to an eternal village in the sky where the sun rises.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kalapalo would greatly benefit from access to modern medicine. Many of them die from preventable sicknesses. The Kalapalo children need schools. Most of all the Kalapalo need to hear and receive the good news of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Items

Ask for the Lord to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the Kalapalo as a testimony of His power and love.

Pray that the Kalapalo people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the Lord.

Pray for medical workers to come and help the Kalapalo.

Pray for a movement to Christ among the Kalapalo to begin this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Kalapalo in Brazil.

References

https://pib.socioambiental.org/en/Povo:Kalapalo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalapalo
https://www.everyculture.com/South-America/Kalapalo.html