Aweti

Who are the Aweti?

The Aweti are an Indigenous group living in the Xingu Indigenous Park in Brazil. They are united by their language, shared rituals, and village life. The Aweti have built their society around a central plaza, which is the focus of ceremonies and daily life. Leadership is hereditary, and chiefs represent the community in dealings with neighboring groups. Despite past hardships, the Aweti have maintained their distinct identity and traditions.

Where do the Aweti live?

The Aweti live in the Upper Xingu region of Mato Grosso, Brazil, between the Curisevo and Tuatuarí rivers. Their villages are set in a mosaic of forests and rivers, close to the headwaters of the Xingu River. This area is part of the Xingu Indigenous Park, a protected territory established to safeguard the land and cultures of its Indigenous peoples.

What language do the Aweti speak?

The Aweti speak their own language, Aweti, which belongs to the Tupian family. Many also speak Kamayurá and Portuguese, especially in the newer village where Kamayurá is often preferred by younger people. Portuguese is taught in the local school, and multilingualism is common due to contact with other groups and the wider Brazilian society.

How do the Aweti live?

The Aweti make a living by fishing, hunting, and farming. Their main crops are maize and manioc, which they grow in small fields. They also gather resources from the forest and craft goods such as hammocks from Burití palm fibers. Trade with neighboring groups is important, and the Aweti exchange items like vegetable salts and hammocks.

How is Aweti society organised?

Aweti villages are arranged around a central plaza, with several huts and a men’s house at the center. The men’s house holds ritual flutes and is off-limits to women. Chiefs inherit their position and act as leaders and diplomats. Marriage often occurs with members of other Upper Xingu groups, and extended families sometimes form new villages.

What do the Aweti believe?

The Aweti practice traditional rituals in the central plaza, including funeral rites. Music and ritual flutes play a key role in ceremonies. Intertribal wrestling contests, such as Huka-huka, are popular. Some Aweti have adopted Christianity, but traditional beliefs remain strong. Art and craftwork, such as hammock-making, are part of their cultural life.

The history of the Aweti

The Aweti likely formed from several tribes that entered the Xingu region in the 17th or 18th century. European explorers first documented them in the late 19th century. Disease introduced by outsiders caused a dramatic population decline, reaching only 23 people by 1950. The creation of the Xingu Indigenous Park in the 1960s led to improved health care and a population recovery. In the 2000s, a second village was established by an extended family splitting from the main group.

Aweti life today

Today, the Aweti number around 192 and live in two villages. They face pressures from increased contact with the outside world, which threatens their language and traditions. However, their population has rebounded, and they continue to maintain their culture, participate in intertribal activities, and adapt to changing circumstances within the Xingu Indigenous Park.

Questions people ask about the Aweti

Sources and further reading

• Aweti on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Aweti themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.