Wai-Wai, Katawian in Guyana
Send Joshua Project a photo
of this people group. |
Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
|
| People Name: | Wai-Wai, Katawian |
| Country: | Guyana |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 300 |
| World Population: | 3,500 |
| Primary Language: | Waiwai |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 60.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 7.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South American Indigenous |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
Most of the Wai-Wais live in Brazil, but some are in Guyana. They speak the Waiwai language, which is from the Carib family. Wai-Wai means meeting place.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Wai-Wais are great hunters, who frequently hunt down primates in the jungles. They are also farmers who grow cassava and other crops through slash-and-burn farming methods.
They are famous for their excellent weaving. Using a type of cotton yarn, they weave hammocks. Other crafts include pottery, bone flutes, etc. They make their own flutes and drums out of local materials. Some play the guitar.
Women are important in Wai-Wai society. Wives can greatly add to a family s wealth. She gets married in her teens and starts producing babies. They value having lots of children. The Wai-Wais often intermarry with other tribes.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Wai-Wais converted to Christianity in the 1950s. Most are Roman Catholic, but there is also a strong Evangelical movement among them.
What Are Their Needs?
Wai-Wai churches need a revival that will take them to serve the Lord with all their hearts, souls, and spirits.
Prayer Points
Pray for a Holy Spirit-sent revival to affect Wai-Wai churches and families, blessing them in every way.
Pray that they may understand that Jesus came to give them abundant life.
Pray that soon Wai-Wais will be reaching remote tribes in Brazil.