Barasana

The Barasana people are an indigenous group inhabiting the Pirá Paraná River region of the Colombian Amazon. They are part of the larger linguistic and cultural group known as the Taiwano or Eastern Tukanoan peoples. The Barasana language, also called Southern Barasano, belongs to the Eastern Tucanoan language family.

Culturally, the Barasana are known for their complex cosmological beliefs, shamanistic practices, and intricate social organization. Their traditional knowledge encompasses a deep understanding of the rainforest environment, including plant and animal life, and sustainable resource management. Oral traditions, myths, and rituals play a central role in their cultural identity and transmission of knowledge across generations.

Subsistence practices traditionally revolve around swidden agriculture (slash-and-burn), hunting, fishing, and gathering. Manioc is a staple crop. Social organization is based on patrilineal descent groups, and marriage customs are often exogamous, requiring individuals to marry outside of their lineage.

Like many indigenous groups in the Amazon, the Barasana face numerous challenges, including deforestation, resource exploitation, and the impact of external cultural influences. Organizations are working to support the Barasana in preserving their culture, language, and land rights.