Brutal farmers make Indian land grab
The peoples of Raposa-Serra do Sol are under attack from violent farmers.
Vicious attacks have shaken their communities as the state government refuses to uphold the law.
The Makuxi, the largest tribe living in Raposa-Serra do Sol, believe that they, and their neighbours the Ingarikó, are descended from the children of the sun, who left for their descendants the gift of fire, but also disease and the hardships of nature.
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| Thatching with buriti, Serra do Sol, Brazil.
© 1994 William Milliken/Survival |
The indigenous peoples here hunt, farm, and fish. Some raise small herds of cattle in the savannah region and keep other domestic animals.
During the long dry summer months, they hunt, fish in any rivers that are not dried up, and visit neighbouring villages. This is also when they build and repair their houses, which they make from wood, clay and palm leaves.
The winter, from May to September, is a period of very heavy rain, making many of their summer activities impossible.
Communities vary greatly in size, and are based on ties of marriage and family. Extended families hunt together, but each household grows its own crops for and rears a few domestic animals for personal use.
