Huaoranis

Ethnic group

Ariana López
 Who are they?
They are an ethnic group made up of approximately
3 thousand inhabitants. Distributed in the provinces
of Napo, Pastaza and Orellana.
They call themselves “Wao,”
which means “the people.”
They are concentrated in a
territory of 200 thousand
hectares.
They speak "wao", an
unclassified language.
Characteristics
Their subsistence is based on agricultural
products, hunting and fishing
The traditional basic unit is the “nanicabo”,
made up of 6 to 10 families living under the
same roof or “maloca”; They are self-
sufficient, autonomous and organized
around a greater.
 Where do they live ?
Their houses “Onka” are rectangular,
with a roof covered with palm leaves.
Inside there are hammocks and a storage
room for hunting and cooking utensils.

They don’t have rooms inside,

but each member of the family
has a space.
 Typical clothes
They are half naked, the
women with a garment around
their waist made of tree bark
and the men with a cord that
holds their virile organ.
Traditions
WEDDINGS: During the party, the woman makes the sweet
chicha and the man is in charge of offering the chicha to others.

SONGS: Singing is an important thing of

their culture. Each song has its own meaning,
it can be about holidays, wars and death.

FESTIVITIES: During the festivities, the

abundance of food is celebrated, where offerings
such as yucca, spears, bird feathers, necklaces, etc.
are given
Do the authorities respect them?
The Huaoranis live in the Ecuadorian Amazon, in a
region located in the middle of the Yasuní National
Park. Their existence is in danger because they
occupy a region rich in oil, which Ecuador considers
to be of national interest.
Thank You !!