There are six subgroups of the Saramaccan peoples, one of which is the Matawari. Their ancestors were escaped African slaves of the Dutch colonialists in the 1600s-1700s. Later the Dutch eliminated slavery. The Saramaccan set up their own communities in the jungles where they grew corn, okra, beans, plantains and peanuts. The men hunted and fished to provide meat to their diet. They raided Dutch settlements and fortified their communities for protection. They forced the Dutch to set up a peace treaty with them. Even then their land was sometimes overrun by gold miners.
Today the various Saramaccan communities, including the Matawari, face challenges. The government of Suriname allowed a Chinese logging company to use their land without their permission and without offering compensation.
The Matawari Saramaccan people retain some of their customs held over by their African ancestors. For example, they came from a tribe that is matrilineal, so that is their custom. Because she has higher economic status, a woman might have three houses.
The Matawari Saramaccan people have a Christian influence in their communities, but most of them practice traditional African religion.
These communities need protection from those who wish to exploit their land. Their ability to bargain or fight for their rights have waxed and waned through the centuries.
Pray for the Lord to guide and protect the Matawari Saramaccan people in the years to come.
Pray for culturally sensitive Christ followers to take the only savior to their communities, teaching them his ways.
Pray for disciples who will make more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Saramaccan, Matawari in Suriname.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saramaka
https://www.ontheshoulders1.com/the-giants/the-saramaka-people#/
https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/saramaka-people-v-suriname-human-rights-victory-and-its-messy-aftermath
https://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.com/2013/06/saramaka-saramaccan-people-fearless.html
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Saramaccan, Matawari |
People Name in Country | Saramaccan, Matawari |
Pronunciation | sara-MAH-kun mah-tah-WAH-ree |
Alternate Names | Mirandesa |
Population this Country | 1,400 |
Population all Countries | 1,400 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 2 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 5 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 19014 |
ROP3 Code | 114941 |
Country | Suriname | ||
Region | America, Latin | ||
Continent | South America | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked | ||
Location in Country | Brokopondo district: Brownsweg, Centrum, Klasskreek, and Kwakoegron, communes, small border area; Para district: Bigi Poika commune; Paramaribo district; Sipaliwini district: Boven Saramaccan and Boven Suriname communes. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Suriname |
Region | America, Latin |
Continent | South America |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Location in Country | Brokopondo district: Brownsweg, Centrum, Klasskreek, and Kwakoegron, communes, small border area; Para district: Bigi Poika commune; Paramaribo district; Sipaliwini district: Boven Saramaccan and Boven Suriname communes.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.50 %) |
8.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
92.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Saramaccan (1,400 speakers) |
Language Code | srm Ethnologue Listing |
Primary Dialect | Matawari |
Dialect Code | 16341 Global Recordings Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Saramaccan (1,400 speakers) |
Language Code | srm Ethnologue Listing |
Primary Dialect | Matawari |
Dialect Code | 16341 Global Recordings Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Saramaccan |
Primary Language: Saramaccan
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1974-2000) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1991-2009) |
Bible-Complete | No |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Saramaccan | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | LUMO film of Gospels | Bible Media Group/LUMO |
Film / Video | World Christian Videos | World Christian Videos |
General | Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text, audio, video | Faith Comes by Hearing |
General | Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Android Bible app: Saramaccan | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Bible app direct APK download | SIL |
Mobile App | Download audio Bible app as APK file | Faith Comes by Hearing |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app: Saramaccan | YouVersion Bibles |
Text / Printed Matter | Download scripture in this language | eBible.org |
Text / Printed Matter | Jesus Messiah comic book | General / Other |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |