Manchineri in Brazil

Introduction / History

The Manchineri people live between Brazil and Peru. In Brazil, they live mainly in the state of Acre. Among the Manchineri, the basic household is made up of grandfather, grandmother, their children, and grandchildren.

What Are Their Lives Like?

When they do not all live in the same house, they occupy nearby houses on the same piece of land. However, each couple maintains a separate garden plot. When not hunting, the husband works in the field alongside his wife. Women also take care of young children who are not yet able to work in the field.

As soon as the dry season begins, in June, it is time to clear the field so that by August it will be dry enough for burning. The rice harvest must be finished (it begins in September). The field is burned in August, in the middle of the dry season. After the burn, they plant squash, cassava, corn, rice, papaya, and sweet potatoes. Sometimes they also plant sugarcane and peanuts. When the rainy season arrives, they must replant the old field and weed it.

What Are Their Beliefs?

This people have shamanic beliefs and practice rituals. Manchineri spirituality is structured around a unique cosmology, in which the world is formed by different layers, visible and invisible, inhabited by humans, animals, plants, and spiritual beings. Everything is interconnected: body, forest, rivers, health, and behavior.

They also have a strong gospel presence. The two belief systems sometimes conflict.

What Are Their Needs?

They need volunteers and missionaries willing to provide medical assistance and schools. They also need power encounters that will convince them to only follow the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Prayer Points

Pray for medical missionaries to provide for their needs and train them in modern medicine.
Pray for them to put all their faith in Christ.
Pray that their hearts will be prepared to receive the Word of Life.

Text Source:   Joshua Project