Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau

Who are the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau?

The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau, who call themselves Jupaú, are an Indigenous people of western Brazil. They live mainly in six villages in the forests of Rondônia, within the Uru-Eu-Uaw-Uaw Indigenous Territory. Their identity is shaped by their language, shared history, and close relationship with the forest. They are known for their distinctive mouth tattoos and hunting skills, and for their ongoing defense of their land against outside pressures. Their community includes elders and young people, and they maintain traditional practices while facing modern challenges.

Where do the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau live?

The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau live in the dense forests of Rondônia, a state in western Brazil. Their villages are located on the borders of the Uru-Eu-Uaw-Uaw Indigenous Territory, a protected area established to safeguard their way of life. The territory is shared with other Indigenous groups and is rich in wildlife and natural resources. The forest provides food, materials, and spiritual significance, but is also threatened by logging, mining, and land invasions.

What language do the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau speak?

The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau speak a variety of Kagwahiva, which is part of the Tupi–Guarani language family. Their language connects them to other related groups in the region. It is still spoken in their villages, helping to maintain cultural continuity. The language is an important marker of identity and is used in daily life and traditional activities.

How do the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau live?

The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau are hunter-gatherers. They hunt animals such as tapir using arrows tipped with a poison made from tree bark. Gathering wild foods from the forest is also central to their diet. Their houses are built from local materials, suited to the forest environment. Traditional tools and techniques are passed down through generations, and their knowledge of the land is deep and detailed.

How is Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau society organised?

Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau society is organized around villages and extended families. Decisions are made within the community, often involving elders and leaders. Marriage and kinship ties help maintain social bonds. The community values cooperation and mutual support, which are essential for survival in the forest. Their society is shaped by both tradition and adaptation to changing circumstances.

What do the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau believe?

The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau practice animism, seeing the forest and its creatures as alive with spirits. Rituals and ceremonies are part of their cultural life. They are known for their mouth tattoos, made with genipapo, a black dye from a local fruit. These tattoos are a mark of identity. Art, music, and dress reflect their connection to the land and their ancestors.

The history of the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau

The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau first came into contact with non-Indigenous people in 1981, when Brazil's National Indian Foundation (FUNAI) arrived. Contact brought disease and violence, causing their population to fall sharply from fewer than 1,000. Rubber harvesters and later miners disputed their land rights, especially after a large tin deposit was found in 1991. The Brazilian government established the Uru-Eu-Uaw-Uaw Indigenous Territory to protect them, but invasions by loggers and miners continue. Their population began to recover after 1993, and they remain active in defending their land.

Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau life today

Today, the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau number about 150. They continue to face threats from land invasions, deforestation, and outside influences. Missionaries and NGOs are present in their territory, with some groups supporting their struggle for rights. Despite pressures, they maintain their language, culture, and connection to the forest, and are recognized for their resilience and leadership in defending their homeland.

Questions people ask about the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau

Sources and further reading

• Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• 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 Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.