Amazon rainforest tribes
Though many theories have been presented through
the year, the history, linguistic affiliations and ethnic origins of the Waorani still remain unkown. Once an
extremely violent people, they often attacked intruders, killing any
outsiders entering their territory. They instilled great fear, hence their
most common name “Auca” (taken as an insult, this translates from the Kichwa
word for savage). They prefer to be called Waorani which translates to “the
people”. There were only a few Waorani clans controlling the whole of the
territory, living as hunters and swidden gardeners (rotating their crops),
but due to their extreme violence towards outsiders entering their
territory, the Waorani seemed more numerous than they actually were. They
lived hidden away on the highest hills of the terra firme forest away from
the larger rivers. Previously, they did not use any form of river
transportation.
The first visitors to Waorani territory arrived
approximately in 1658. More reliable sightings of the first Waorani come
from the last 100 years or so during the era of the rubber trade.
Historically victims of persecution during this trade from 1875 to 1925 and
even sold in the slave markets in Iquitos and Manaus, the Waorani sought
refuge, remaining totally isolated. Some isolated groups still remain
hidden away in Yasuni National Park.
In 1955 and 1956 American Protestant missionaries began
“Operation “Auca” to contact these tribes. The Catholics began their
missionary work with the Waorani in the seventies.
Waorani culture is in a disappearing phase as many
Waorani adapt to western ways including food and clothing. Many of the
youth no longer value the knowledge of the elders and most Waorani (present
population of 3,000) live in permanent settlements with schools. Most of the
present day Waorani, hunt and fish for their main sources of food. Tourism
is helping them preserve their culture as the Waorani see that ecotourists
value and appreciate their culture.