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Glite Dictionary
Baniwa

Baniwa

9.9
A group of native people in the Amazon who speak the same language
  • proper noun
: Baniwa
  • The Baniwa are known for their rich cultural traditions and connection to the Amazon rainforest.

Examples

  • Like so many of the most powerful shamans, Ricardo Teixeira had traveled widely in his career, apprenticing among the Arawakan-speaking Baniwa of the Aiari River.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Ricardo Teixeira, the widely known Wanano shaman from the Uaups River, apprenticed among the Arawakan-speaking Baniwa of the Aiar River.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Many researchers study the language and customs of the Baniwa in order to preserve their heritage.

  • The Baniwa people celebrate their annual festival to honor their ancestors and promote their unique identity.

Surface Forms

Baniwa main

Etymology

Baniwa comes from the people’s own language in the Amazon and is their name for both the 'people' and the 'language'. Think of it like English, which also names a people and their language, so Baniwa refers to the indigenous community and the language they speak.