Baure in Bolivia

Introduction / History

The Baure people are an indigenous group native to the Beni Department of northeastern Bolivia. Their ancestral language, Baure, belongs to the Southern Arawakan language family and is closely related to the Moxo languages. Historically, the Baure lived in fortified villages and practiced advanced hydraulic agriculture, building canals and raised fields to manage water and grow crops.
Spanish colonists first contacted the Baure in the late 16th century and later incorporated into Jesuit missions during the 17th and 18th centuries. These missions introduced new farming techniques and religious practices but also led to cultural disruption and population decline due to disease and slave raids. Today, the Baure language is considered critically endangered, with fewer than 70 fluent speakers, mostly elderly, and most Baure people now speak Spanish.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Baure communities are typically located near rivers and wetlands in the Llanos de Moxos region. The people engage in subsistence farming, growing crops such as manioc, corn, rice, and plantains, and also rely on fishing, hunting, and livestock. A significant portion of their annual income comes from the wild cacao harvest, which has transformed local economies and reduced reliance on barter systems.
Traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and basketry remain important for daily use and ceremonial purposes. Community life is organized around extended families, and cultural identity is expressed through music, dance, and festivals.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Baure people practice a blend of Christianity and ethnoreligion. Over half are Christian. Catholic traditions introduced by Jesuit missionaries remain influential, and many communities celebrate patron saint festivals and attend mass regularly.
Traditional beliefs persist, including reverence for jaguars, which are considered sacred and associated with shamanic powers. Men wounded by jaguars are believed to become spiritual protectors, and those who kill jaguars gain prestige within the community.

What Are Their Needs?

Revitalization of the Baure language is essential to preserve cultural identity and intergenerational knowledge. Access to education and literacy programs is important to empower youth and support community development. Infrastructure improvements are necessary to ensure clean water, healthcare, and transportation in remote areas. Economic initiatives are vital to enhance agricultural productivity, market access, and livelihood stability. Resources for discipleship and biblical teaching are needed to deepen Christian faith and encourage spiritual growth. Advocacy for cultural recognition and land rights is crucial to protect ancestral territories and traditions.

Prayer Points

Pray for unity among believers, and for the church to be a beacon of hope and transformation in their communities.
Pray for a movement of spiritual renewal among Baure Christians, that their faith may grow deeper and more vibrant.
Ask God to raise up local leaders and elders who can disciple others in culturally relevant ways.
Pray for healing and restoration in families affected by poverty, displacement, and cultural loss.
Intercede for the revitalization of the Baure language, that it may once again be spoken and celebrated across generations.

Text Source:   Joshua Project