Matis

Who are the Matis?

The Matis are an Indigenous people of the Amazon, living in the Vale do Javari in western Brazil. They are held together by shared language, kinship, and cultural practices such as ritual tattooing and body ornamentation. Their identity is shaped by their connection to the land, their history of resilience, and their efforts to maintain traditional ways while engaging with wider Brazilian society. The Matis value both their elders’ knowledge and the opportunities of the modern world.

Where do the Matis live?

The Matis live in the Vale do Javari Indigenous Territory, a vast rainforest region in far western Brazil near the borders with Peru and Colombia. This territory covers about 83,000 square kilometres and is home to several Indigenous groups. The land is dense tropical forest, crisscrossed by rivers like the Itui and Itacoai. Access is restricted to protect both the people and the environment from outside exploitation.

What language do the Matis speak?

The Matis speak their own language, also called Matis, which belongs to the Panoan family of Amazonian languages. Most Matis men and many women also speak some Portuguese. The language remains in daily use, helping to preserve their cultural identity, though contact with outsiders has increased Portuguese influence.

How do the Matis live?

Traditionally, the Matis hunt, fish, gather wild foods, and farm. They use blowguns and bows for hunting, targeting animals like monkeys, peccaries, and birds, and fish with various methods. Farming is done in rotating plots where they grow cassava, banana, peach palm, and corn. They also forage for fruits and other plants. Today, some Matis work as teachers, health assistants, or in territory surveillance, and elders receive pensions as retired farmers.

How is Matis society organised?

Matis society is organized around villages called maloca, with kinship and clan ties shaping social life. Families are central, and elders play an important role in passing down traditions. Marriage and descent patterns are not detailed in the sources, but decision-making involves both traditional leaders and engagement with Brazilian authorities. Community ties remain strong, even as younger members seek education and new opportunities.

What do the Matis believe?

The Matis follow traditional beliefs and rituals, including body modifications such as tattooing and facial ornaments made from sticks, bone, and shells. These practices are important markers of identity and status. Before contact, they interpreted airplanes as spirits or supernatural beings. Some rituals and art forms declined after contact but have seen revival since the 1990s.

The history of the Matis

Little is recorded about the Matis before the 1970s, but they likely suffered during the Amazon rubber booms. First official contact came in the late 1970s, leading to devastating epidemics that killed much of the population. By 1983, only 87 survived from over 300. Many villages were abandoned, and some cultural practices faded. Since then, the population has recovered somewhat, and some traditions have been revived.

Matis life today

Today, the Matis number about 457 and live in three main villages. They balance traditional life with modern roles, working in education, health, and territory protection. The government restricts access to their land, but illegal activities remain a threat. Elders encourage cultural revival, while younger people seek education and broader engagement with Brazil. The community continues to adapt and assert its rights.

Questions people ask about the Matis

Sources and further reading

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