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[CULTURE] · Colombia · 3 sources

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Mapayerri community in Vichada struggles to preserve language and traditions

The Mapayerri indigenous community, located in the Nacuanëdorro reservation in Vichada, Colombia, is struggling to preserve its ancestral traditions and language. Currently numbering approximately 70 people, the community has transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to a sedentary one. This shift was driven by the presence of armed groups, illicit crops, and hunting restrictions.

One of the most critical threats facing the group is the potential disappearance of the Mapayerri language. Due to a lack of linguistic research, it remains unclear whether the language is independent or a variant of Sikuani. Researchers from the Instituto Caro y Cuervo have emphasized the urgency of documenting the language to prevent its loss. To combat cultural assimilation, the community relies on oral traditions, including songs, dances, and rituals, to pass knowledge to younger generations.

Entities

El Tuparro National Natural Park · Instituto Caro y Cuervo · Mapayerri · Nacuanëdorro · Vichada

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