What language do the Waorani speak?

Wao-terero
All Waorani speak their native language, Wao-terero (ISO 639/3), a little-studied language that has yet to be classified among other indigenous languages of South America (Klein and Stark 1985, Campbell 1997).

How were the Waorani people contacted?

According to journalist Scott Wallace, American missionaries in Ecuador attempted to contact the Huaorani in the 1950s with airdropped gifts. However, the photographs included in the package baffled the Huaorani (since they had never seen photographs before), and they believed the images were evil magical creations.

Where do Waorani Indians live?

The Huaorani is an indigenous tribe which lives in the Amazon in Ecuador. While some changes have been made over the years due to outside influences, for hundreds of years they lived a semi-nomadic existence which involved hunting, foraging, and some horticulture.

How do the Waorani dress?

Today, most Waorani wear Western clothing—mainly shorts and T-shirts. Women sometimes wear dresses or skirts.

What is significant about the Huaorani people?

Ever since their tragic encounter with North American missionaries in 1956, the Huaorani have held a special place in journalistic and popular imagination as “Ecuador’s last savages”. Despite the “civilizing” efforts of missionaries, they have largely retained their distinctive way of understanding the world.

What is the meaning of Huaorani?

Huaorani definition Filters. A member of a Native American people from the Amazonian Region of Ecuador. noun. The language, a language isolate, which is spoken by these people.

How many Huaorani are there?

Today the Huaorani population is estimated to be about 4,000 people, spread out across a large (but shrinking) territory in eastern Ecuador known locally as the Oriente.

Why are the Huaorani in danger?

They continue to be threatened by oil extraction and illegal lumbering.