Chiquitano

Who are the Chiquitano?

The Chiquitano, who call themselves Monkóx, are an Indigenous people of eastern Bolivia and a small part of Brazil. Their identity formed from many smaller groups who came together, especially during the period of Jesuit missions. Today, they are the largest Indigenous group in Bolivia’s lowlands. Their community is held together by shared history, language, and traditions, as well as organizations like the Chiquitano Indigenous Organization (OICH).

Where do the Chiquitano live?

The Chiquitano live mostly in the Chiquitania, a broad tropical savanna in the Santa Cruz and Beni Departments of Bolivia, with a few communities in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The region is known for its open grasslands, scattered forests, and seasonal rivers. The land supports farming, cattle, and traditional crafts, and is shaped by both Indigenous and colonial histories.

What language do the Chiquitano speak?

Chiquitano, also called Bésɨro, is spoken by about 40,000 to 60,000 people, mainly in Bolivia. It is the fourth most spoken Indigenous language in the country, though many Chiquitano now speak Spanish or Portuguese instead. The language has several dialects and is written in the Latin script. There are differences in grammar between men’s and women’s speech.

How do the Chiquitano live?

Traditionally, the Chiquitano have been farmers, growing crops and raising cattle. Weaving and other crafts are important, especially since the Jesuit mission period, when loom-based weaving was promoted. Some work for wages in towns or on ranches. Houses and tools reflect both Indigenous and colonial influences. In the past, many Chiquitano were forced to work on rubber plantations and railways.

How is Chiquitano society organised?

Chiquitano society is organized around families and local communities. During the Jesuit mission era, people from many backgrounds were brought together in settlements called reductions, which shaped a shared identity. Today, leadership is provided by organizations like the OICH, with leaders such as the Cacique Mayor. Marriage, family, and community ties remain central.

What do the Chiquitano believe?

The Chiquitano follow a mix of traditional beliefs and Christianity, a result of centuries of Jesuit influence. Rituals, prayer, and communal work are important. Weaving and crafts are part of their cultural expression. Dress and music have both Indigenous and mission-era roots, and art often reflects their history and beliefs.

The history of the Chiquitano

Before Spanish contact, many Indigenous groups lived in the Chiquitania. The Spanish arrived in the 16th century, but it was the Jesuit missionaries who most shaped Chiquitano society. From 1692 to 1767, the Jesuits gathered diverse groups into mission towns, promoting a common language and new ways of life. After the Jesuits were expelled, many Chiquitano became laborers on ranches or in the rubber industry, often under harsh and exploitative conditions. Their labor built parts of the region's economy and infrastructure, but also led to loss of freedom and land.

Chiquitano life today

Today, the Chiquitano number nearly 88,000 in Bolivia and a few hundred in Brazil. Many live in rural communities, though some have moved to towns. Their language and traditions face pressure from Spanish and Portuguese, but efforts to maintain culture continue. Organizations represent their interests, and in Brazil, they seek recognition and land rights. The legacy of mission life and forced labor still shapes their society.

Questions people ask about the Chiquitano

Sources and further reading

• Chiquitano on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• 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 Chiquitano themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.