Asurini do Xingu in Brazil

People Name:	Asurini do Xingu
Country:	Brazil
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	200
World Population:	200
Primary Language:	Asurini of Xingu
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	50.00 %
Evangelicals:	2.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Guarani
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Caló ancestors fled the Iberian Peninsula during the 16th century Inquisition. The people immigrated to Brazil between the 16th and 19th centuries. Many still live in suburb tents; some own businesses in cities. People work in shops and hotels, and drive taxis. Caló men often buy products on the border to sell in cities. Woman are fortunetellers, card and palm readers. Since Chibi speakers are not technically "indigenous," they are not well-accepted in Brazil. This large people group clings to the margins of mainstream society, sometimes hiding their identity.

Chibi-speaking men wear loose-fitting pants, colorful embroidered shirts, earrings and gold jewelry; some also boast gold teeth. Ladies wear skirts and blouses. Older women use doily head-coverings and wear as much jewelry as they can afford. All Caló people love to dance and sing; they rarely refuse opportunities to perform in public.

Religious practices in Caló culture mix animistic traditions and Christian rituals. A fear of spirits permeates daily life. Their religious heritage is a world religion worshipping a pantheon of gods, so these pragmatic people do whatever improves their circumstances. This includes faithful church attendance and rigorous attention to rituals, alongside trusting fortunetellers' advice.