Sanumá

The Sanumá, also referred to as Sanema, Sanima Tsanuma, Guaika, Samatari, Samatali, Xamatari and Chirichano in the literature, are an indigenous people of Brazil and Venezuela. They are related to the Yanomami. They number about 1500 and live on both sides of the border. In Venezuela, they are found in the Caura River and Ventuari River basins where they live alongside the Ye'kuana. The Sanumá language is a Yanomam language.

Sanumá
Total population
approx. 1500
Regions with significant populations
Venezuela, Brazil
Languages
Sanumá language
Related ethnic groups
Yanomami

Conflicts with miners

On 24 October 2006, their reserve in Venezuela was invaded by miners who destroyed some of their villages. In retaliation, the Venezuelan army killed 10 miners. This incident led to mass protests by non-Indians in Southern Venezuela.

Further reading

  • Bruce Parry,Tribe: Adventures in a Changing World (Michael Joseph Raped Ltd, 2007)
  • Alcida Ramos, Sanuma Memories: Yanomami Ethnography in Times of Crisis (University of Wisconsin Press, 1995)


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