On the wire
Latin AmericaFuture of Amazon rainforest policies at stake in Brazilian presidential electionCanada$2.2M Boost For Quantum Test Targeting Iron Issues In First Nations GroupsWorldCelebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with City Hall Flag Raising and Native-Led Events Across SeattleOceaniaMāori Band Coterie Revives Iconic Warriors Anthem — LBBWorldIndigenous Peoples Day: Reflections on 500 Years of ResistanceWorldIndigenous Peoples Day 2026WorldPRCS Announces Facility Schedule Changes for Indigenous Peoples’ DayWorldHRC63: States must protect Indigenous territories and those who defend our natural and cultural heritageUnited StatesHurdles ahead for New Mexico's Native American midterm votersLatin AmericaIndigenous Women Mix Tradition With Tech To Help Save a Threatened Turtle Species in the AmazonLatin AmericaFuture of Amazon rainforest policies at stake in Brazilian presidential electionCanada$2.2M Boost For Quantum Test Targeting Iron Issues In First Nations GroupsWorldCelebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with City Hall Flag Raising and Native-Led Events Across SeattleOceaniaMāori Band Coterie Revives Iconic Warriors Anthem — LBBWorldIndigenous Peoples Day: Reflections on 500 Years of ResistanceWorldIndigenous Peoples Day 2026WorldPRCS Announces Facility Schedule Changes for Indigenous Peoples’ DayWorldHRC63: States must protect Indigenous territories and those who defend our natural and cultural heritageUnited StatesHurdles ahead for New Mexico's Native American midterm votersLatin AmericaIndigenous Women Mix Tradition With Tech To Help Save a Threatened Turtle Species in the Amazon
Kabila

Kadiwéu

Horse-riding Indigenous people of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

The Kadiwéu are an Indigenous people living in the Kadiweu Indigenous Land in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Numbering about 1,413, they are known for their horse riding skills and are the last surviving group of the Mbayá peoples. They speak the Kadiweu language of the Guaicuruan family.

  • Live in Kadiweu Indigenous Land, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
  • Known for skilled horse riding
  • Speak the Kadiweu language of the Guaicuruan family
  • Last surviving group of the Mbayá peoples
  • Population about 1,413

Who are the Kadiwéu?

The Kadiwéu are an Indigenous people of Brazil and the last surviving group of the Mbayá peoples. They are part of the larger Guaycuru branch and are recognized for their strong identity, which centers around their language, shared history, and horse riding traditions. Living mainly in four villages within their reserve, some Kadiwéu families also choose to live independently in the surrounding forests. Their community is held together by their language, customs, and a collective memory of their past.

Where do the Kadiwéu live?

The Kadiwéu live in the Kadiweu Indigenous Land, a large reserve established in 1903 in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Their territory lies in the municipality of Porto Murtinho, bordered by the Serra de Bodoquena and the Nabileque and Aquidavão rivers. The landscape includes forests, rivers, and open areas suitable for horse riding, which is central to their culture.

What language do the Kadiwéu speak?

The Kadiwéu speak the Kadiweu language, which belongs to the Guaicuruan language family. This language connects them to other Guaycuru peoples, though the Kadiwéu are now the only surviving branch of the Mbayá. The language remains a key part of their identity and daily life.

How do the Kadiwéu live?

The sources do not provide details about the Kadiwéu's current ways of making a living, food, houses, or tools. However, they are known for their horse riding skills, which have been a significant part of their culture and history.

How is Kadiwéu society organised?

There is no detailed information in the sources about Kadiwéu family structure, clans, descent, marriage practices, or decision-making processes. Their villages and independent families suggest a flexible social organization.

What do the Kadiwéu believe?

The sources do not describe the religious beliefs, rituals, art, music, or dress of the Kadiwéu. However, their artwork is recognized and preserved in museum collections.

The history of the Kadiwéu

The Kadiwéu descend from the Mbayá, who were once a large raiding people in the 18th century, numbering around 4,000. Epidemics of smallpox and influenza at the end of the 18th century drastically reduced their numbers. During the War of the Triple Alliance (1865–1870), the Kadiwéu allied with Brazil and fought against Paraguay. In 1903, their current reserve was established, helping to secure their land.

Kadiwéu life today

Today, the Kadiwéu number about 1,413 and live mainly in four villages within their reserve, with some families living independently. They continue to maintain their language and traditions, especially horse riding. Their territory remains recognized as Indigenous land, providing a basis for cultural survival.

Questions people ask about the Kadiwéu

Where do the Kadiwéu live?

The Kadiwéu live in the Kadiweu Indigenous Land, a reserve in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, mainly in four villages and some families in the surrounding forests.

How many Kadiwéu are there?

There are about 1,413 Kadiwéu people according to recent figures.

What language do the Kadiwéu speak?

They speak the Kadiweu language, which is part of the Guaicuruan language family.

What are the Kadiwéu known for?

The Kadiwéu are especially known for their horse riding skills and as the last surviving group of the Mbayá peoples.

What is their history with other countries?

During the War of the Triple Alliance (1865–1870), the Kadiwéu fought alongside Brazil against Paraguay.

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 Kadiwéu themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.

Neighbours in Brazil

All peoples of Brazil
Jewsיהודים 🇮🇱 Israel and 11 moreAn ethnoreligious group with ancient roots in Israel and a global presence today About 15 million YorubaÌran Yorùbá 🇳🇬 Nigeria and 11 moreA major West African people rooted in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo About 53 million, Volta-Niger (Niger–Congo) GuaraniAbá 🇵🇾 Paraguay and 3 moreIndigenous people of Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, known for their language and myths About 280,000, Tupi–Guarani Yanomami 🇧🇷 Brazil and 1 moreRainforest horticulturalists of northern Brazil and southern Venezuela About 35,000, Yanomaman

Other Guaicuruan speakers

See them all
TobaQom 🇦🇷 Argentina and 2 moreA major Indigenous people of the Gran Chaco, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia About 129,000, Guaicuruan

Seven peoples, once a week

Every Monday: seven peoples you may never have heard of, who they are and where they live.