Miá | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| 782 (2012)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Bolivia[2] | |
| Languages | |
| Sirionó language,Spanish | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion,Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Yuqui people[3] |
TheSirionó are anindigenous people of Bolivia. They primarily live in the forested northern and eastern parts ofBeni and northwesternSanta Cruzdepartments ofBolivia.[4] They live between theSan Martín, Negro Rivers, and theMachado River.[5]
"Sirionó" comes from a neighboring language, in whichsíri means "tucum palm". Their autonym isMiá, meaning "the people." They are also known as the Chori, Ñiose, Qurungua, Tirinié, or Yande people.[2][failed verification] The Sirionós are tall and strong, although thin, due to the continuous movement and hardships of wildlife.
Their complexion is dark, although somewhat lighter than that of the Guarayos, probably because of their life in the shade of the trees. Some are said to have almost white skin, brown hair and light eyes. Its aspect is rather Arauco than Guarani.[6]
TheSirionó language is aGuarayú language of theTupí-Guaraní language family, written in theLatin script. The language is taught in primary schools. Awhistled language has been observed among Sirionós.[3]
Sirionó people originated in theGran Chaco and moved north in theAmazon rainforest.[5] First contact with Spaniards was in the 1690s. Later Jesuits tried to missionize them and convince them to lead sedentary lives. Sirionó people died from diseases introduced by Europeans, and by the dawn of the 20th century, only 500 survived. They lived either in remote forests or worked as ranch or farm hands.[4]
Sirionó traditionally were semi-nomadic and fished, hunted, gathered wild plants, and farmed. They cultivatedmaize,sweet potatoes, and sweetcassava. They brewedbeer from maize.[4]
Traditional Sirionó houses were often only temporary structures with wooden supports and palm leaf roofs that could house up to 120 people at a time. Families werematrilineal andmatrilocal, that is, young married couples would live in the wife's community.[4]
