Kayabi in Brazil

Introduction / History

The Kayabi are an Indigenous people living in the Amazonian region. During the 1950s and 1960s, they were forced to relocate from their original lands, but managed to preserve much of their language, identity, and traditions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Kayabi life is strongly connected to nature and community cooperation. Their economy is based on fishing, hunting, small-scale agriculture, and the gathering of forest products. They cultivate manioc, corn, and fruits, and they use local materials to make baskets, pottery, and traditional clothing.
Community life is organized around family groups and collective decisions led by chiefs and elders. The Kayabi are also known for their rich oral traditions, storytelling, and songs that transmit ancestral knowledge.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Shamans play a central role in connecting the human and spiritual worlds. Through rituals, chants, and ceremonies, they hold on to their ancestral spirituality, blending it with some beliefs influenced by Christian missionaries.

What Are Their Needs?

They need help maintaining their cultural beliefs without leaving their faith in God aside.

Prayer Points

Pray for them to understand their identity in Christ.
Ask God to reveal Himself to those who have already shown open hearts so they can have a true connection with Jesus and preach to others.
Pray for a Holy Spirit-driven revival in that tribe that will lead them to be Christ bearers to tribes without a gospel witness.

Text Source:   Joshua Project