Ingariko in Brazil

Introduction / History

The Ingarikó are a group whose language belongs to the Caribbean linguistic family, and is spoken in Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana. "Ingarikó" means "People of the thick forest."

What Are Their Lives Like?

Agriculture is the economic activity that occupies the Ingarikó the most and requires daily commitment, except Saturdays, which are days of rest prescribed by the Areruya religion.

Girls help their mothers prepare fermented drinks made from cassava or beiju, as well as take care of their babies. Women engage in weaving slings, made from industrial crochet yarn, and nets made from cotton wool that they plant themselves, although very few still maintain this ancestral technique. Men, on the other hand, have the prerogative of weaving baskets with arumã fiber, building the wooden structures of houses, and making canoes, benches, and tables. In many of these activities, they have the cooperation of boys, who consequently have the chance to learn such trades. They usually dedicate themselves, daily, to bird hunting with slingshots made by their parents.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Although they maintain ancient shamanic practices, they are followers of the indigenous Areruya religion, which worships “Christian deities.” They began with prophetic movements led by shamans from their interactions with Anglican Christian missionaries.

What Are Their Needs?

They need to understand Christ truly and genuinely, without religiosity and traditions, simply for who He is.

Prayer Points

Pray for them to have the revelation of the Holy Spirit about who Jesus is.
Pray for the Christians among them to remain steadfast in the Word of God and nothing else.
Ask for broken hearts, a hunger for God, and hearts willing to become anything the Lord wants.

Text Source:   Joshua Project