Kaiabi

Who are the Kaiabi?

The Kaiabi, also called Kayabí or Kawaiwete, are an Indigenous people of Brazil. They are united by their language, shared history, and cultural practices. Today, most Kaiabi live in the Xingu Indigenous Park and the Apiaká-Kayabi Reservation, alongside other Indigenous groups. Their society values tradition, spiritual beliefs, and a strong bond with their land and ancestors. Despite pressures from outside, they maintain their customs and identity, including their own language and crafts.

Where do the Kaiabi live?

The Kaiabi live mainly in the Xingu Indigenous Park in northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, and in the Apiaká-Kayabi Reservation south of Pará. Their traditional lands were along the upper Teles Pires and Peixes rivers. The region is tropical, with forests, rivers, and fertile soils that support their farming and gathering. Some Kaiabi families remain in their ancestral homelands to honor their ancestors’ graves, despite the majority having moved to the Xingu Park for protection.

What language do the Kaiabi speak?

The Kaiabi speak the Kayabí language, also known as Kawaiwete. It belongs to the Tupi–Guarani language family. The language is still spoken in daily life and is an important part of their cultural identity. Living in multiethnic reserves, the Kaiabi maintain their language alongside Portuguese and other Indigenous languages.

How do the Kaiabi live?

The Kaiabi are skilled farmers, practicing slash-and-burn (swidden) agriculture with a wide variety of crops. They grow many types of manioc (cassava), maize, cotton, peanuts, potatoes, yams, bananas, beans, sugarcane, pumpkins, and watermelons. Fishing and hunting continue to provide important foods, and their meals often include cassava flour and fish. Kaiabi men are known for weaving intricate baskets and sieves, while women make hammocks and slings from homegrown cotton and create palm collars.

How is Kaiabi society organised?

Kaiabi society is organized around families and clans. Naming is a significant cultural event, with each person receiving several names throughout life, reflecting personal milestones or community events. Names can be inherited from ancestors or inspired by important days. Decisions are made with respect for elders and shamans, who play a central role in guiding and protecting the community. The Kaiabi value respect for ancestors, and some families remain on ancestral lands to care for their graves.

What do the Kaiabi believe?

The Kaiabi have a rich spiritual life centered on shamanism. Shamans act as intermediaries between people and the spirit world, providing healing, advice, and protection. The Kaiabi view the universe as layered and filled with powerful beings, including animal chiefs and spirits. Naming ceremonies are vital, as a person receives their soul when given a name. Art and craft are also important, with both men and women producing woven items and jewelry from local materials.

The history of the Kaiabi

The Kaiabi once lived in self-reliant villages along the upper Teles Pires River and other areas. European colonization brought violence, disease, and forced removal. Many Kaiabi died from epidemics or were displaced by settlers, rubber tappers, and loggers. In the 1950s–1990s, most Kaiabi migrated to the Xingu Indigenous Park to escape violence and preserve their culture. The Park was created in 1961 as a multiethnic reserve. Some Kaiabi remain on their ancestral lands, honoring their ancestors’ graves.

Kaiabi life today

Today, the Kaiabi number over 2,200, with about 1,300 living in the Xingu Indigenous Park. They share the Park with many other Indigenous groups but maintain their distinct identity and traditions. Some Kaiabi still live outside the Park on ancestral lands. They continue their traditional farming, crafts, and spiritual practices, while also facing pressures from outside development and the legacy of past violence. Their culture remains resilient and active.

Questions people ask about the Kaiabi

Sources and further reading

• Kayabí 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 Kaiabi themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.