The Yanomami

The Yanomami are one of the largest indigenous groups in the Amazon rainforest. They live in the border area between Brazil and Venezuela. The Yanomami have lived in the rainforest for thousands of years. They have deep knowledge of the plants and animals around them.

Life in the Rainforest

The Yanomami live in large, round communal houses called shabonos. A shabono can hold up to 400 people from the same village. They grow bananas and cassava in gardens. They also hunt, fish, and gather fruits and nuts from the forest. The Yanomami know how to use hundreds of plants for food and medicine.

Yanomami Culture

The Yanomami have a rich culture with many ceremonies and celebrations. They paint their bodies with natural dyes for special events. Sharing is very important in their culture. When hunters bring back food, they share it with everyone in the village. The Yanomami also have their own songs, dances, and stories.

Fun Facts

• The Yanomami know how to use over 500 different plants for food, medicine, and building.
• A shabono house is shaped like a giant donut with an open space in the middle.
• The Yanomami have lived in the Amazon for at least 8,000 years.

Did You Know?

The Yanomami believe that the rainforest is alive and that every tree and river has a spirit. They work hard to protect the forest because it is their home and their way of life.