Patamona people

The Patamona are an Amerindian tribe native to the Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana.[1] They are also known as the Kapon.[1] There are about 5,000 living members of this and closely related ethnic groups in Guyana.[1] The population in Brazil is estimated at 125 people.[2]

Patamona

Patamona people, 1908 or earlier
Total population
>5,000[1] (2000)
Regions with significant populations
Guyana, Brazil
Languages
Patamona language
Religion
Traditional
Related ethnic groups
Akawaio and Pemon

They are known archaeologically from pottery collections in the Yawong Valley and the upper Siparuni River. These collections suggest an affiliation with Akawaio groups in the 19th century. The burial urn guarded by a serpent is a characteristic artifact of Patamona pottery.[3] The region was exploited until recently for suitable farm lands, hunting and fishing. The Patamona were not contacted until the early 19th century.[4]

Kaieteur Falls is an important cultural site for the Patamona people. Kaieteur Falls has been named after Old Kaie, a member of the Patamona tribe.[5] In their animist religion the Patamona believe in Knaima, a spiritual that possesses people and turns them into evil beings.[6]

The people of Paramakatoi and some other villages are literate in English and Patamona.[1]

Culinary practices are similar to other indigenous people of the region, including preparation of the Guyanese pepperpot, called tuma in Patamona. Foods are also steamed by packaging them in leaves and set beside a fire. They also gather wild mushrooms for consumption, including amanita perphaea (or pulutukwe), Cookeina (agubana), Lentinula boryana (kapiokwok) and certain clavulina also known as kunmudlutse and tepurumeng.[7]

Unlike may other tribes the Patamona are known for eating an array of insects.