Wanano, Guanano in Colombia
Send Joshua Project a photo
of this people group. |
Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
|
| People Name: | Wanano, Guanano |
| Country: | Colombia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 3,400 |
| World Population: | 4,100 |
| Primary Language: | Wanano |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 70.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 16.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South American Indigenous |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
The Wanano people speak Guanano; thus they are also known as Guanano. Their homeland straddles Brazil and Colombia.
The Wanano first encountered Europeans when Portuguese troops came to their lands in the 1730s and killed and enslaved many. By the end of the 1700s, the Portuguese established a military post there. They used the Wanano to grow food. There were rebellions in the 1780s leading to the escape of some Wananos. The Catholics established a mission in 1849 that the Wananos were compelled to join. Between 1880 and 1912 there were rubber plantations that the Wanano worked at.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Today there are 10 Wanano settlements arranged by patrilineal descent groups called sibs. The Wanano people grow cassava through slash-and-burn practices. They hunt and fish for most of their meat. Most of their hunting tools they trade for but some are hand-made bows and arrows. In markets, they sell handicrafts such as cassava juicers, clay pots, and hammocks. They also sell painted tree bark cloth that is used for ceremonies.
They live in rectangular homes built of wood and mud with palm leaves for roofing.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Many Wananos are shamanists. They believe shamans can influence the spirit world and advise them on when to go on a hunt or fishing expedition. In Colombia, there is a much stronger influence of Christianity than in Brazil.
What Are Their Needs?
The Wananos need such an intense love for Jesus Christ that they will put him high above all else. Jesus must affect their families in a positive way.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to make a way for the Wanano people to hear and respond to Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful and loving to the Wanano people.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Wanano people teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray for hundreds to embrace Jesus Christ no matter what the cost.