Dâw
Small Nadahup-speaking group of the Alto Rio Negro, Brazilian Amazon
The Dâw are an Indigenous people living on the right bank of the Rio Negro in the Alto Rio Negro region of Amazonas, Brazil. With a population of around 94 to 142, they speak the Dâw language and are closely related to other Nadahup peoples. They have survived a near-extinction crisis in the 1980s and maintain their language and culture.
Who are the Dâw?
The Dâw are an Indigenous group native to the Alto Rio Negro region in the Brazilian Amazon. They identify themselves as Dâw, meaning 'people' in their own language. Their society is closely knit, sharing the region with related Nadahup peoples such as the Nadëb, Nukak, and Hup, as well as with Arawakan and Tucanoan groups. Their shared language and kinship ties, along with a common history in the rainforest, hold the Dâw together as a distinct community.
Where do the Dâw live?
The Dâw live on the right bank of the Rio Negro in the Alto Rio Negro area of Amazonas state, Brazil. This part of the Amazon rainforest is home to many Indigenous groups and is known for its dense forest, rivers, and biodiversity. The Dâw share this landscape with other Nadahup peoples and with Arawakan and Tucanoan groups, making it a region of great cultural and linguistic diversity.
What language do the Dâw speak?
The Dâw speak the Dâw language, which belongs to the Nadahup language family. All Dâw today use their language as their first language. Many also speak Nheengatu, a regional lingua franca, and Portuguese. The continued use of the Dâw language is a sign of cultural resilience, especially after their population crisis in the 1980s.
The history of the Dâw
In the 1980s, the Dâw faced a severe demographic crisis due to an imbalance between men and women, with very few women of childbearing age remaining. By 1984, their population had dropped to just 56 people, and they were close to extinction. Since then, their numbers have improved, and the group is no longer considered at immediate risk of disappearing. The Dâw have maintained their language and identity despite these challenges and increased contact with outsiders.
Dâw life today
Today, the Dâw number between 94 and 142 people. They are in regular contact with non-Indigenous society, especially in the nearby city of São Gabriel da Cachoeira. While their population remains small, the threat of extinction has lessened, and their language remains strong. They continue to live in their traditional homeland, sharing the region with other Indigenous groups.
Questions people ask about the Dâw
Where do the Dâw live?
The Dâw live in Brazil, in the Alto Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brazilian Amazon rainforest.
How many Dâw people are there?
Our sources give the Dâw population as 94 (infobox); 142 (Wikidata). Counts of peoples vary with who is counted and when.
What language do the Dâw speak?
The Dâw speak Dâw, which belongs to the Nadahup family of languages.
Sources and further reading
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 Dâw themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.
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