The Reyesano people, also known as Maropa or Sapibocona, live primarily in the Beni Department of Bolivia, particularly around the San Borja area. Their traditional language, Reyesano, belongs to the Tacanan family and is critically endangered, with only a handful of speakers remaining. Most Reyesanos now speak Spanish as their primary language for daily communication. Historically, the Reyesano were riverine and forest dwellers who practiced subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing. Jesuit missionaries introduced Catholicism during the colonial period, which led to cultural changes while leaving room for traditional practices to persist. Over time, pressures from modernization and land encroachment have eroded their linguistic and cultural heritage, though efforts to document and preserve the Reyesano language continue.
The Reyesano live in small rural communities along rivers and forested areas, relying on agriculture, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. They cultivate crops such as manioc, maize, and plantains, and supplement their diet with fish and wild game. Modern influences have introduced wage labor and trade, but many families remain economically vulnerable due to limited access to markets and infrastructure. Seasonal flooding and deforestation caused by cattle ranching and logging threaten their environment and traditional way of life. While some younger members migrate to urban centers for education and employment, elders strive to maintain cultural practices and oral traditions.
The Reyesano practice a syncretized form of Catholicism that blends traditional animistic beliefs with Catholic rituals. While Catholic saints and festivals are observed, these practices often incorporate Indigenous spiritual elements, such as reverence for rivers and forests as sacred spaces. This fusion reflects their historical experience with missionary influence and their enduring connection to nature and ancestral traditions.
Healthcare access is minimal, leaving communities vulnerable to preventable diseases and lacking adequate medical facilities. Educational opportunities are insufficient, particularly in remote villages, thereby restricting literacy and vocational skills among younger generations. Legal recognition and protection of ancestral lands are critical, as ongoing deforestation and land grabs threaten both their cultural heritage and their ability to sustain traditional livelihoods.
Pray for the Reyesano to experience a deep understanding of the gospel that speaks to their cultural context and spiritual questions.
Ask for wisdom, perseverance, and boldness for those ministering the gospel to the Reyesanos.
Intercede for community leaders to find strength and unity in Christ as they face pressures from cultural erosion and environmental challenges.
Scripture Prayers for the Reyesano in Bolivia.
PeopleGroups.org – Reyesano
Native Languages – Reyesano Language
Archive.org – Reyesano Language
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
