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Classification of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
North American cultural areas
Cultural regions of North American people at the time of contact
Early Localization Native Americans USA
Early Indigenous languages in the US

The classification of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas is based upon the land and languages. Anthropologists began to classify the people based on what they knew of the people during the 15th century. This is when Europeans and Africans began arriving in North and South America. Some groups cover many regions because they were forcibly removed from their original homes.

Canada, Greenland, United States, and northern Mexico

In the United States and Canada, ethnographers usually classify Indigenous peoples into ten geographical regions. These regions have shared cultural traits, so they are called cultural areas.

Arctic

Inuktitut dialect map
Inuktitut dialect map
Early Indian Languages Alaska
Early Indigenous languages in Alaska

Subarctic

Pacific Northwest coast

Northwest Plateau

Chinook peoples

Interior Salish

Sahaptin people

Other or both

  • Cayuse, Oregon, Washington
  • Celilo (Wayampam)
  • Cowlitz, Washington
  • Fort Klamath, Oregon
  • Kalapuya, northwest Oregon
  • Kutenai (Kootenai, Ktunaxa), British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana
  • Lower Snake people: Chamnapam, Wauyukma, Naxiyampam
  • Modoc, formerly California, now Oklahoma and Oregon
  • Molala (Molale), Oregon
  • Nicola Athapaskans (extinct), British Columbia
  • Palus (Palouse), Idaho, Oregon, and Washington
  • Upper Nisqually (Mishalpan)

Great Plains

Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains are often separated into Northern and Southern Plains tribes.

  • Anishinaabeg (Anishinape, Anicinape, Neshnabé, Nishnaabe) (see also Subarctic, Northeastern Woodlands)
    • Saulteaux (Nakawē), Manitoba, Minnesota and Ontario; later Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Saskatchewan
    • Odawa people (Ottawa), Ontario, Michigan, later Oklahoma
    • Potawatomi, Michigan, Ontario, Indiana, Wisconsin, and later Oklahoma
  • Apache (see also Southwest)
  • Arapaho (Arapahoe), formerly Colorado, currently Oklahoma and Wyoming
    • Besawunena
    • Nawathinehena
  • Arikara (Arikaree, Arikari, Ree), North Dakota
  • Atsina (Gros Ventre), Montana
  • Blackfoot
    • Kainai Nation (Káínaa, Blood), Alberta
    • Northern Peigan (Aapátohsipikáni), Alberta
    • Blackfeet, Southern Piegan (Aamsskáápipikani), Montana
    • Siksika (Siksikáwa), Alberta
  • Cheyenne, Montana, Oklahoma
    • Suhtai, Montana, Oklahoma
  • Comanche, Oklahoma, Texas
  • Plains Cree, Montana
  • Crow (Absaroka, Apsáalooke), Montana
  • Escanjaques, Oklahoma
  • Hidatsa, North Dakota
  • Iowa (Ioway), Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma
  • Kaw (Kansa, Kanza), Oklahoma
  • Kiowa, Oklahoma
  • Mandan, North Dakota
  • Métis people (Canada), North Dakota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta
  • Missouri (Missouria), Oklahoma
  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Osage, Oklahoma, formerly Arkansas, Missouri
  • Otoe (Oto), Oklahoma
  • Pawnee, Oklahoma
    • Chaui, Oklahoma
    • Kitkehakhi, Oklahoma
    • Pitahawirata, Oklahoma
    • Skidi, Oklahoma
  • Ponca, Nebraska, Oklahoma
  • Quapaw, formerly Arkansas, Oklahoma
  • Sioux
    • Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
      • Santee, Nebraska
      • Yankton, South Dakota
      • Yanktonai, formerly Minnesota, currently Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota
    • Lakota (Teton), Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Saskatchewan
    • Nakoda (Stoney), Alberta
    • Nakota, Assiniboine (Assiniboin), Montana, Saskatchewan
  • Teyas, Texas
  • Tonkawa, Oklahoma
  • Tsuu T’ina, (Sarcee, Sarsi, Tsuut’ina), Alberta
  • Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Kitikiti'sh), Oklahoma, formerly Texas and Kansas
    • Kichai (also related to the Caddo), Oklahoma, formerly Texas and Kansas
    • Taovayas (Tawehash), Oklahoma, formerly Texas and Kansas
    • Tawakoni, Oklahoma, formerly Texas and Kansas
    • Waco (Iscani, Yscani), Oklahoma, formerly Texas
    • Wichita proper, Guichita, Rayados, Oklahoma, formerly Texas and Kansas

Eastern Woodlands

Northeastern Woodlands

  • Accohannock, formerly Eastern Shore of Virginia
  • Gingaskin, formerly Eastern Shore of Virginia
  • Quinnipiac, Connecticut, eastern New York, northern New Jersey
  • Rappahannock, Virginia
  • Sauk (Sac), formerly Michigan, now Iowa, Oklahoma
  • Schaghticoke, western Connecticut
  • Shawnee, formerly Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, now Oklahoma
  • Shinnecock, Long Island, New York
  • Stegarake, formerly Virginia
  • Stuckanox (Stukanox), Virginia
  • Conestoga (Susquehannock), Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia
  • Tauxenent (Doeg), Virginia
  • Tunxis (Massaco), Connecticut
  • Tuscarora, formerly North Carolina, Virginia, currently New York
  • Tutelo (Nahyssan), Virginia
  • Unquachog (Poospatuck), Long Island, New York
  • Wabanaki, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec
  • Wampanoag, Massachusetts
    • Nauset, Massachusetts
    • Patuxet, Massachusetts
    • Pokanoket, formerly Massachusetts, Rhode Island
  • Wangunk (Mattabeset), formerly Connecticut
  • Wawyachtonoc, formerly Connecticut, New York
  • Weapemeoc, formerly northern North Carolina
  • Wenro, formerly New York
  • Wicocomico, formerly Maryland, Virginia
  • Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec
  • Wyandot (Huron), Ontario south of Georgian Bay, now Oklahoma, Kansas, Michigan, and Wendake, Quebec

Southeastern Woodlands

  • Acolapissa (Colapissa), Louisiana and Mississippi
  • Ais, eastern coastal Florida
  • Alafay (Alafia, Pojoy, Pohoy, Costas Alafeyes, Alafaya Costas), Florida
  • Amacano, Florida west coast
  • Apalachee, northwestern Florida
  • Atakapa (Attacapa), Louisiana west coast and Texas southwestern coast
    • Akokisa, Texas southeast coast
    • Bidai, Texas southeast coast
    • Deadose, eastern Texas
    • Eastern Atakapa, western coastal Louisiana
    • Orcoquiza, southeast Texas
    • Patiri, eastern Texas
    • Tlacopsel, southeast Texas
  • Avoyel ("little Natchez"), Louisiana
  • Bayogoula, southeastern Louisiana
  • Biloxi, Mississippi
  • Caddo Confederacy, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas
    • Adai (Adaizan, Adaizi, Adaise, Adahi, Adaes, Adees, Atayos), Louisiana and Texas
    • Cahinnio, southern Arkansas
    • Doustioni, north central Louisiana
    • Eyeish (Hais), eastern Texas
    • Hainai, eastern Texas
    • Hasinai, eastern Texas
    • Kadohadacho, northeastern Texas, southwestern Arkansas, northwestern Louisiana
    • Nabedache, eastern Texas
    • Nabiti, eastern Texas
    • Nacogdoche, eastern Texas
    • Nacono, eastern Texas
    • Nadaco, eastern Texas
    • Nanatsoho, northeastern Texas
    • Nasoni, eastern Texas
    • Natchitoches, Lower: central Louisiana, Upper: northeastern Texas
    • Neche, eastern Texas
    • Nechaui, eastern Texas
    • Ouachita, northern Louisiana
    • Tula, western Arkansas
    • Yatasi, northwestern Louisiana
  • Calusa, southwestern Florida
  • Cape Fear Indians, North Carolina southern coast
  • Catawba (Esaw, Usheree, Ushery, Yssa), North Carolina, South Carolina
  • Chacato, Florida panhandle and southern Alabama
  • Chakchiuma, Alabama and Mississippi
  • Chatot people (Chacato, Chactoo), west Florida
  • Chawasha (Washa), Louisiana
  • Cheraw (Chara, Charàh), North Carolina
  • Cherokee, western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, later Georgia, northwestern South Carolina, northern Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Mexico, and currently North Carolina and Oklahoma
  • Chickanee (Chiquini), North Carolina
  • Chickasaw, Alabama and Mississippi, later Oklahoma
  • Chicora, coastal South Carolina
  • Chine, Florida
  • Chisca (Cisca), southwestern Virginia
  • Chitimacha, Louisiana
  • Choctaw, Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Louisiana; later Oklahoma
  • Chowanoc (Chowanoke), North Carolina
  • Congaree (Canggaree), South Carolina
  • Coree, North Carolina
  • Croatan, North Carolina
  • Cusabo coastal South Carolina
  • Eno, North Carolina
  • Grigra (Gris), Mississippi
  • Guacata (Santalûces), eastern coastal Florida
  • Guacozo, Florida
  • Guale (Cusabo, Iguaja, Ybaja), coastal Georgia
  • Guazoco, southwestern Florida coast
  • Houma, Louisiana and Mississippi
  • Jaega (Jobe), eastern coastal Florida
  • Jaupin (Weapemoc), North Carolina
  • Jororo, Florida interior
  • Keyauwee, North Carolina
  • Koasati (Coushatta), formerly eastern Tennessee, currently Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas
  • Koroa, Mississippi
  • Luca, southwestern Florida coast
  • Lumbee, North Carolina
  • Machapunga, North Carolina
  • Matecumbe (Matacumbêses, Matacumbe, Matacombe), Florida Keys
  • Mayaca, Florida
  • Mayaimi (Mayami), interior Florida
  • Mayajuaca, Florida
  • Mikasuki (Miccosukee), Florida
  • Mobila (Mobile, Movila), northwestern Florida and southern Alabama
  • Mocoso, western Florida
  • Mougoulacha, Mississippi
  • Muscogee (Creek), Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and later Oklahoma
    • Abihka, Alabama, later Oklahoma
    • Alabama, formerly Alabama, southwestern Tennessee, and northwestern Mississippi, now Oklahoma and Texas
      • Pakana (Pacâni, Pagna, Pasquenan, Pak-ká-na, Pacanas), central Alabama, later Texas
    • Apalachicola Province, (Lower Towns of the Muscogee (Creek) Confederacy), Alabama and Georgia
      • Apalachicola (town), Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina
      • Hitchiti, Alabama and Georgia
      • Oconi, Alabama and Georgia
      • Sabacola (Sawakola, Sabacôla, Savacola, Sawokli), Alabama and Georgia
    • Chiaha, Creek Confederacy, Alabama
    • Eufaula tribe, Georgia, later Oklahoma
    • Kialegee Tribal Town, Alabama, later Oklahoma
    • Osochee (Osochi, Oswichee, Usachi, Oosécha), Creek Confederacy, Alabama
    • Talapoosa, Creek Confederacy, Alabama
    • Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, Alabama, Georgia, later Oklahoma
    • Tukabatchee, Muscogee Creek Confederacy, Alabama
  • Naniaba, northwestern Florida and southern Alabama
  • Natchez, Louisiana and Mississippi later Oklahoma
  • Neusiok (Newasiwac, Neuse River Indians), North Carolina
  • Norwood culture, Apalachee region, Florida, c. 12,000–4500 BC
  • Ofo, Arkansas and Mississippi, eastern Tennessee
  • Okchai (Ogchay), central Alabama
  • Okelousa, Louisiana
  • Opelousas, Louisiana
  • Pacara, Florida
  • Pamlico, formerly North Carolina
  • Pascagoula, Mississippi coast
  • Pee Dee (Pedee), South Carolina and North Carolina
  • Pensacola, Florida panhandle and southern Alabama
  • Potoskeet, North Carolina
  • Quinipissa, southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi
  • Roanoke, North Carolina
  • Saluda (Saludee, Saruti), South Carolina
  • Santee (Seretee, Sarati, Sati, Sattees), South Carolina (no relation to Santee Sioux), South Carolina
  • Santa Luces, Florida
  • Saponi, North Carolina, Virginia
  • Saura, North Carolina
  • Saxapahaw (Sissipahaw, Sissipahua, Shacioes), North Carolina
  • Secotan, North Carolina
  • Seminole, Florida and Oklahoma
  • Sewee (Suye, Joye, Xoye, Soya), South Carolina coast
  • Shakori, North Carolina
  • Shoccoree (Haw), North Carolina, possibly Virginia
  • Sissipahaw, North Carolina
  • Sugeree (Sagarees, Sugaws, Sugar, Succa), North Carolina and South Carolina
  • Surruque, east-central Florida
  • Suteree (Sitteree, Sutarees, Sataree), North Carolina
  • Taensa, Mississippi
  • Taposa, Mississippi
  • Tawasa, Alabama
  • Tequesta, southeastern coastal Florida
  • Timucua, Florida and Georgia
    • Acuera, central Florida
    • Agua Fresca (or Agua Dulce or Freshwater), interior northeast Florida
    • Arapaha, north-central Florida and south-central Georgia
    • Cascangue, coastal southeast Georgia
    • Icafui (or Icafi), coastal southeast Georgia
    • Mocama (or Tacatacuru), coastal northeast Florida and coastal southeast Georgia
    • Northern Utina north central Florida
    • Ocale, central Florida
    • Oconi, interior southeast Georgia
    • Potano, north central Florida
    • Saturiwa, northeast Florida
    • Tacatacuru, coastal southeast Georgia
    • Tucururu (or Tucuru), central? Florida
    • Utina (or Eastern Utina), northeast central Florida
    • Yufera, coastal southeast Georgia
    • Yui (Ibi), coastal southeast Georgia
    • Yustaga, north central Florida
  • Tiou (Tioux), Mississippi
  • Tocaste, Florida
  • Tocobaga, Florida
  • Tohomé, northwestern Florida and southern Alabama
  • Tomahitan, eastern Tennessee
  • Topachula, Florida
  • Tunica, Arkansas and Mississippi
  • Utiza, Florida
  • Uzita, Tampa Bay, Florida
  • Vicela, Florida
  • Viscaynos, Florida
  • Waccamaw, South Carolina
  • Waccamaw Siouan, North Carolina
  • Wateree (Guatari, Watterees), North Carolina
  • Waxhaw (Waxsaws, Wisack, Wisacky, Weesock, Flathead), North Carolina and South Carolina
  • Westo, Virginia and South Carolina, extinct
  • Winyaw, South Carolina coast
  • Woccon, North Carolina
  • Yamasee, Florida, Georgia
  • Yazoo, southeastern tip of Arkansas, eastern Louisiana, Mississippi
  • Yuchi (Euchee), central Tennessee, then northwest Georgia, now Oklahoma

Great Basin

  • Shoshone (Shoshoni), California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
    • Eastern Shoshone people:
  • Guchundeka', Kuccuntikka, Buffalo Eaters
  • Tukkutikka, Tukudeka, Mountain Sheep Eaters, joined the Northern Shoshone
  • Boho'inee', Pohoini, Pohogwe, Sage Grass people, Sagebrush Butte People
  • Agaideka, Salmon Eaters, Lemhi, Snake River and Lemhi River Valley
  • Doyahinee', Mountain people
  • Kammedeka, Kammitikka, Jack Rabbit Eaters, Snake River, Great Salt Lake
  • Hukundüka, Porcupine Grass Seed Eaters, Wild Wheat Eaters, possibly synonymous with Kammitikka
  • Tukudeka, Dukundeka', Sheep Eaters (Mountain Sheep Eaters), Sawtooth Range, Idaho
  • Yahandeka, Yakandika, Groundhog Eaters, lower Boise, Payette, and Wiser Rivers
  • Western Shoshone people:
  • Kusiutta, Goshute (Gosiute), Great Salt Desert and Great Salt Lake, Utah
  • Cedar Valley Goshute
  • Deep Creek Goshute
  • Rush Valley Goshute
  • Skull Valley Goshute, Wipayutta, Weber Ute
  • Tooele Valley Goshute
  • Trout Creek Goshute
  • Kuyatikka, Kuyudikka, Bitterroot Eaters, Halleck, Mary's River, Clover Valley, Smith Creek Valley, Nevada
  • Mahaguadüka, Mentzelia Seed Eaters, Ruby Valley, Nevada
  • Painkwitikka, Penkwitikka, Fish Eaters, Cache Valley, Idaho and Utah
  • Pasiatikka, Redtop Grass Eaters, Deep Creek Gosiute, Deep Creek Valley, Antelope Valley
  • Tipatikka, Pinenut Eaters, northernmost band
  • Tsaiduka, Tule Eaters, Railroad Valley, Nevada
  • Tsogwiyuyugi, Elko, Nevada
  • Waitikka, Ricegrass Eaters, Ione Valley, Nevada
  • Watatikka, Ryegrass Seed Eaters, Ruby Valley, Nevada
  • Wiyimpihtikka, Buffalo Berry Eaters
  • Timbisha, aka Panamint or Koso, southeastern California
  • Ute, Colorado, Utah, northern New Mexico
    • Capote, southeastern Colorado and New Mexico
    • Moanunts, Salina, Utah
    • Muache, south and central Colorado
    • Pahvant, western Utah
    • Sanpits, central Utah
    • Timpanogots, north-central Utah
    • Uintah, Utah
    • Uncompahgre or Taviwach, central and northern Colorado
    • Weeminuche, western Colorado, eastern Utah, northwestern New Mexico
    • White River Utes (Parusanuch and Yampa), Colorado and eastern Utah
  • Washo, Nevada and California
    • Palagewan
    • Pahkanapil

California

  • Achomawi, Achumawi, Pit River tribe, northeastern California
  • Atsugewi, northeastern California
  • Cahuilla, southern California
  • Chumash, coastal southern California
    • Barbareño
    • Cruzeño, Island Chumash
    • Inezeño, Ineseño
    • Obispeño, Northern Chumash
    • Purisimeño
    • Ventureño
  • Chilula, northwestern California
  • Chimariko, extinct, northwestern California
  • Cupeño, southern California
  • Eel River Athapaskan peoples
    • Lassik, northwestern California
    • Mattole (Bear River), northwestern California
    • Nongatl, northwestern California
    • Sinkyone, northwestern California
    • Wailaki, Wai-lakki, northwestern California
  • Esselen, west-central California
  • Hupa, northwestern California
  • Juaneño, Acjachemem, southwestern California
  • Karok, northwestern California
  • Kato, Cahto, northwestern California
  • Kitanemuk, south-central California
  • Konkow, northern-central California
  • Kumeyaay, Diegueño, Kumiai
    • Ipai, southwestern California
      • Jamul, southwestern California
    • Tipai, southwestern California and northwestern Mexico
  • La Jolla complex, southern California, c. 6050–1000 BC
  • Luiseño, southwestern California
  • Maidu, northeastern California
    • Konkow, northern California
    • Mechoopda, northern California
    • Nisenan, Southern Maidu, northern California
  • Miwok, Me-wuk, central California
  • Monache, Western Mono, central California
  • Nisenan, eastern-central California
  • Nomlaki, northwestern California
  • Ohlone, Costanoan, west-central California
  • Patwin, central California
    • Suisun, Southern Patwin, central California
  • Pauma Complex, southern California, c. 6050–1000 BC
  • Pomo, northwestern and central-western California
  • Salinan, coastal central California
    • Antoniaño
    • Migueleño
  • Serrano, southern California
  • Shasta northwestern California
    • Konomihu, northwestern California
    • Okwanuchu, northwestern California
  • Tataviam, Allilik (Fernandeño), southern California
  • Tolowa, northwestern California
  • Tongva, Gabrieleño, Fernandeño, San Clemente tribe, coastal southern California
  • Tubatulabal, south-central California
  • Wappo, north-central California
  • Whilkut, northwestern California
  • Wintu, northwestern California
  • Wiyot, northwestern California
  • Yana, northern-central California
  • Yokuts, central and southern California
  • Yuki, Ukomno'm, northwestern California
    • Huchnom, northwestern California
  • Yurok, northwestern California

Southwest

This region is also called "Oasisamerica" and includes parts of what is now Arizona, Southern Colorado, New Mexico, Western Texas, Southern Utah, Chihuahua, and Sonora.

Mexico and Mesoamerica

The regions of Oasisamerica, Aridoamerica, and Mesoamerica cover multiple countries. They overlap in some places.

Aridoamerica

Aridoamerica (orthographic projection)
Aridoamerica region of North America
  • Acaxee
  • Aranama (Hanáma, Hanáme, Chaimamé, Chariname, Xaraname, Taraname), southeast Texas
  • Coahuiltecan, Texas, northern Mexico
  • Chichimeca
    • Caxcan (Caxcane)
    • Guachichil
    • Guamare
    • Pame
    • Tecuexe
    • Zacatec
  • Cochimí, Baja California
  • Cocopa, Arizona, northern Mexico
  • Garza, Texas, northern Mexico
  • Guachimontone
  • Guamare
  • Guaycura, Baja California
  • Guarijío, Huarijío, Chihuahua, Sonora
  • Huichol (Wixáritari), Nayarit, Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Durango
  • Kiliwa, Baja California
  • Mayo, Sonora and Sinaloa
  • Monqui, Baja California
  • Paipai, Akwa'ala, Kw'al, Baja California
  • Opata
  • Otomi, central Mexico
  • Patiri, southeastern Texas
  • Pericúe, Baja California
  • Pima Bajo
  • Seri
  • Tarahumara
  • Tepecano
  • Tepehuán
  • Terocodame, Texas and Mexico
    • Codam
    • Hieroquodame
    • Oodame
    • Perocodame
    • Teroodame
  • Teuchitlan tradition
  • Western Mexico shaft tomb tradition
  • Yaqui, Sonora and now southern Arizona
  • Zacateco

Mesoamerica

Mesoamerica english
Map of Mesoamerica

Circum-Caribbean

Further information: Isthmo-Colombian Area

Caribbean

Anthropologist Julian Steward defined the Antilles cultural area, which includes all of the Antilles and Bahamas, except for Trinidad and Tobago.

Central America

The Central American culture area includes part of El Salvador, most of Honduras, all of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and some peoples on or near the Pacific coasts of Colombia and Ecuador.

  • Bagaces, Costa Rica
  • Bokota, Panama
  • Boruca, Costa Rica
  • Bribri, Costa Rica
  • Cabécar, Costa Rica
  • Cacaopera (Matagalpa, Ulua), formerly El Salvador
  • Cayada, Ecuador
  • Changuena, Panama
  • Embera-Wounaan (Chocó, Wounaan), Colombia, Panama
  • Choluteca, Honduras
  • Coiba, Costa Rica
  • Coito, Costa Rica
  • Corobici, Costa Rica
  • Desaguadero, Costa Rica
  • Dorasque, Panama
  • Guatuso, Costa Rica
  • Guaymí, Panama
    • Movere, Panama
    • Murire, Panama
  • Guetar, Costa Rica
  • Kuna (Guna), Panama and Colombia
  • Lenca, Honduras and El Salvador
  • Mangue, Nicaragua
  • Maribichocoa, Honduras and Nicaragua
  • Miskito, Hondrus, Nicaragua
    • Miskito Sambu
    • Tawira Miskito
  • Nagrandah, Nicaragua
  • Ngöbe Buglé, Bocas del Toro, Panama
  • Nicarao, Nicaragua
  • Nicoya, Costa Rica
  • Orotiña, Costa Rica
  • Paparo, Panama
  • Paya, Honduras
  • Pech, northeastern Honduras
  • Piria, Nicaragua
  • Poton, Honduras and El Salvador
  • Quepo, Costa Rica
  • Rama, Nicaragua
  • Sigua, Panama
  • Subtiaba, Nicaragua
  • Suerre, Costa Rica
  • Sumo (Mayagna), Honduras and Nicaragua
  • Terraba (Naso, Teribe, Tjër Di), Panama
  • Tojar, Panama
  • Tolupan (Jicaque), Honduras
  • Ulva, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua
  • Voto, Costa Rica
  • Yasika, Nicaragua

Colombia and Venezuela

The Colombia and Venezuela culture area includes most of Colombia and Venezuela. Southern Colombia is in the Andean culture area, as are some peoples of central and northeastern Colombia, who are surrounded by peoples of the Colombia and Venezuela culture. Eastern Venezuela is in the Guianas culture area, and southeastern Colombia and southwestern Venezuela are in the Amazonia culture area.

  • Abibe, northwestern Colombia
  • Aburrá, central Colombia
  • Achagua (Axagua), eastern Colombia, western Venezuela
  • Agual, western Colombia
  • Amaní, central Colombia
  • Ancerma, western Colombia
  • Andaqui (Andaki), Huila Department, Colombia
  • Andoque, Andoke, southeastern Colombia
  • Antiochia, Colombia
  • Arbi, western Colombia
  • Arma, western Colombia
  • Atunceta, western Colombia
  • Auracana, northeastern Colombia
  • Buriticá, western Colombia
  • Caquetio, western Venezuela
  • Calamari, northwestern Colombia
  • Calima culture, western Colombia, 200 BC–AD 400
  • Caramanta, western Columbia
  • Carate, northeastern Colombia
  • Carare, northeastern Colombia
  • Carex, northwestern Colombia
  • Cari, western Colombia
  • Carrapa, western Colombia
  • Cartama, western Colombia
  • Cauca, western Colombia
  • Corbago, northeastern Colombia
  • Cosina, northeastern Colombia
  • Catio, northwestern Colombia
  • Cenú, northwestern Colombia
  • Cenufaná, northwestern Colombia
  • Chanco, western Colombia
  • Coanoa, northeastern Colombia
  • Cuiba, east Colombia west Venezuela
  • Cuica, western Venezuela
  • Cumanagoto, eastern Venezuela
  • Evéjito, western Colombia
  • Fincenú, northwestern Colombia
  • Gorrón, western Colombia
  • Guahibo (Guajibo), eastern Colombia, southern Venezuela
  • Guambía, western Colombia
  • Guanes, Colombia, pre-Columbian culture
  • Guanebucan, northeastern Colombia
  • Guazuzú, northwestern Colombia
  • Hiwi, western Colombia, eastern Venezuela
  • Jamundí, western Colombia
  • Kari'ña, eastern Venezuela
  • Kogi, northern Colombia
  • Lile, western Colombia
  • Lache, central Colombia
  • Mariche, central Venezuela
  • Maco (Mako, Itoto, Wotuja, or Jojod), northeastern Colombia and western Venezuela
  • Mompox, northwestern Colombia
  • Motilone, northeastern Colombia and western Venezuela
  • Naura, central Colombia
  • Nauracota, central Colombia
  • Noanamá (Waunana, Huaunana, Woun Meu), northwestern Colombia and Panama
  • Nutabé, northwestern Colombia
  • Opón, northeastern Colombia
  • Pacabueye, northwestern Colombia
  • Pancenú, northwestern Colombia
  • Patángoro, central Colombia
  • Paucura, western Colombia
  • Pemed, northwestern Colombia
  • Pequi people, western Colombia
  • Picara, western Colombia
  • Pozo, western Colombia
  • Pumé (Yaruro), Venezuela
  • Quimbaya, central Colombia, 4th–7th centuries
  • Quinchia, western Colombia
  • Sutagao, central Colombian
  • Tahamí, northwestern Colombia
  • Tairona, northern Colombia, pre-Columbian culture, 1st–11th centuries
  • Tamalameque, northwestern Colombia
  • Mariche, central Venezuela
  • Timba, western Colombia
  • Timote, western Venezuela
  • Tinigua, Caquetá Department, Colombia
  • Tolú, northwestern Colombia
  • Toro, western Colombia
  • Tupe, northeastern Colombia
  • Turbaco people, northwestern Colombia
  • Urabá, northwestern Colombia
  • Urezo, northwestern Colombia
  • U'wa, eastern Colombia, western Venezuela
  • Waikerí, eastern Venezuela
  • Wayuu (Wayu, Wayúu, Guajiro, Wahiro), northeastern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela
  • Xiriguana, northeastern Colombia
  • Yamicí, northwestern Colombia
  • Yapel, northwestern Colombia
  • Yarigui, northeastern Colombia
  • Yukpa, Yuko, northeastern Colombia
  • Zamyrua, northeastern Colombia
  • Zendagua, northwestern Colombia
  • Zenú, northwestern Colombia, pre-Columbian culture, 200 BC–AD 1600
  • Zopia, western Colombia

Guianas

Guyanas
The Guianas in northern South America

This region includes northern parts Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, parts of the Amazonas, Amapá, Pará, and Roraima States in Brazil.

  • Acawai (6N 60W)
  • Acokwa (3N 53W)
  • Acuria (Akurio, Akuriyo), 5N 55W, Suriname
  • Akawaio, Roraima, Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela
  • Amariba (2N 60W)
  • Amicuana (2N 53W)
  • Apalaí (Apalai), Amapá, Brazil
  • Apirua (3N 53W)
  • Apurui (3N 53W)
  • Aracaret (4N 53W)
  • Aramagoto (2N 54W)
  • Aramisho (2N 54W)
  • Arebato (7N 65W)
  • Arekena (2N 67W)
  • Arhuaco, northeastern Colombia
  • Arigua
  • Arinagoto (4N 63W)
  • Arua (1N 50W)
  • Aruacay, Venezuela
  • Atorai (2N 59W)
  • Atroahy (1S 62W)
  • Auaké, Brazil and Guyana
  • Baniwa (Baniva) (3N 68W), Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela
  • Baraüana (1N 65W)
  • Bonari (3S 58W)
  • Baré (3N 67W)
  • Caberre (4N 71 W)
  • Cadupinago
  • Cariaya (1S 63 W)
  • Carib (Kalinago), Venezuela
  • Carinepagoto, Trinidad
  • Chaguan, Venezuela
  • Chaima, Venezuela
  • Cuaga, Venezuela
  • Cuacua, Venezuela
  • Cumanagoto, Venezuela
  • Guayano, Venezuela
  • Guinau (4N 65W)
  • Hixkaryána, Amazonas, Brazil
  • Hodï, Venezuela
  • Inao (4N 65W)
  • Ingarikó, Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela
  • Jaoi (Yao), Guyana, Trinidad and Venezuela
  • Kali'na, Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Venezuela
  • Lokono (Arawak, Locono), Guyana, Trinidad, Venezuela
  • Macapa (2N 59W)
  • Macushi, Brazil and Guyana
  • Maipure (4N 67W)
  • Maopityan (2N 59W)
  • Mapoyo (Mapoye), Venezuela
  • Marawan (3N 52W)
  • Mariusa, Venezuela
  • Marourioux (3N 53W)
  • Nepuyo (Nepoye), Guyana, Trinidad and Venezuela
  • Orealla, Guyana
  • Palengue, Venezuela
  • Palikur, Brazil, French Guiana
  • Parauana (2N 63W)
  • Parauien (3S 60W)
  • Pareco, Venezuela
  • Paria, Venezuela
  • Patamona, Roraima, Brazil
  • Pauishana (2N 62W)
  • Pemon (Arecuna), Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela
  • Piapoco (3N 70W)
  • Piaroa, Venezuela
  • Pino (3N 54W)
  • Piritú, Venezuela
  • Purui (2N 52W)
  • Saliba (Sáliva), Venezuela
  • Sanumá, Venezuela, Brazil
  • Shebayo, Trinidad
  • Sikiana (Chikena, Xikiyana), Brazil, Suriname
  • Tagare, Venezuela
  • Tamanaco, Venezuela
  • Tarumá (3S 60W)
  • Tibitibi, Venezuela
  • Tiriyó (Tarëno), Brazil, Suriname
  • Tocoyen (3N 53W)
  • Tumuza, Venezuela
  • Wai-Wai, Amazonas, Brazil and Guyana
  • Wapishana, Brazil and Guyana
  • Warao (Warrau), Guyana and Venezuela
  • Wayana (Oyana), Pará, Brazil
  • Ya̧nomamö (Yanomami), Venezuela and Amazonas, Brazil
  • Ye'kuana, Venezuela, Brazil

Eastern Brazil

This region includes parts of the Ceará, Goiás, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, and Santa Catarina states of Brazil.

  • Apinajé (Apinaye Caroyo), Rio Araguiaia
  • Arara, Pará
  • Atikum, Bahia and Pernambuco
  • Bororo, Mato Grosso
  • Botocudo (Lakiãnõ)
  • Carijo Guaraní
  • East Brazilian tradition, Precolumbian culture
  • Guató (Guato), Mato Grosso
  • Kadiwéu (Guaicuru), Mato Grosso do Sul
  • Kaingang
  • Karajá (Iny, Javaé), Goiás, Mato Grosso, Pará, and Tocantins
  • Kaxixó, Minas Gerais
  • Kayapo (Cayapo, Mebêngôkre), Mato Grosso and Pará
  • Laklãnõ, Santa Catarina
  • Mehim (Krahô, Crahao), Rio Tocantins
  • Ofayé, Mato Grosso do Sul
  • Parakatêjê (Gavião), Pará
  • Pataxó, Bahia
  • Potiguara (Pitigoares), Ceará
  • Tabajara, Ceará
  • Tapirapé (Tapirape)
  • Terena, Mato Gross and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
  • Tupiniquim, Espírito Santo
  • Umutina (Barbados)
  • Xakriabá (Chakriaba, Chikriaba, or Shacriaba), Minas Gerais
  • Xavánte (Shavante), Mato Grosso
  • Xerénte (Sherente), Goiás
  • Xucuru, Pernambuco

Andes

Tawantinsuyu (orthographic projection)
The Tawantinsuyu, or fullest extent of the Inca Empire, which includes much of the Andean cultural region
  • Andean Hunting-Collecting tradition, Argentina, 11,000–4,000 BC
  • Awa-Kwaiker, northern Ecuador, southern Colombia
  • Aymara, Bolivia, Chile, Peru
  • Callawalla (Callahuaya), Bolivia
  • Cañari, Ecuador
  • Capulí culture, Ecuador, AD 800–1500
  • Cerro Narrio (Chaullabamba) (Precolumbian culture)
  • Chachapoyas, Amazonas, Peru
  • Chachilla (Cayapas)
  • Chanka (Chanca), Peru
  • Chavín, northern Peru, 900–200 BC
  • Chincha people, Peru (Precolumbian culture)
  • Chipaya, Oruro Department, Bolivia
  • Chuquibamba culture (Precolumbian culture)
  • Conchucos
  • Diaguita
  • Guangaia (Precolumbian culture)
  • Ichuña microlithic tradition (Precolumbian culture)
  • Inca Empire (Inka), based in Peru
  • Jama-Coaque (Precolumbian culture)
  • Killke culture, Peru, AD 900–1200
  • Kogi
  • Kolla (Colla), Argentina, Bolivia, Chile
  • La Tolita (Precolumbian culture)
  • Las Vegas culture, coastal Ecuador, 8000–4600 BC
  • Lauricocha culture, Peru, 8000–2500 BC
  • Lima culture, Peru, AD 100–650
  • Maina, Ecuador, Peru
  • Manteño-Huancavilca (Precolumbian culture)
  • Milagro (Precolumbian culture)
  • Mollo culture, Bolivia, AD 1000–1500
  • Muisca, Colombian highlands (Precolumbian culture)
  • Pachacama (Precolumbian culture)
  • Paez (Nasa culture), Colombian highlands (Precolumbian culture)
  • Panzaleo (Precolumbian culture)
  • Pasto
  • Pijao, Colombia
  • Quechua (Kichua, Kichwa), Bolivia
    • Chankas
    • Huancas
  • Quitu culture, 2000 BC–AD 1550
  • Salinar (Precolumbian culture)
  • Saraguro
  • Tiwanaku culture (Tiahuanaco), AD 400–1000, Bolivia
  • Tsáchila (Colorado), Ecuador
  • Tuza-Piartal (Precolumbian culture)
  • Uru, Bolivia, Peru
    • Uru-Murato, Bolivia
  • Wari culture, central coast and highlands of Peru, AD 500–1000

Pacific lowlands

  • Amotape complex, northern coastal Peru, 9000–7100 BC
  • Atacameño (Atacama, Likan Antaí), Chile
  • Awá, Colombia and Ecuador
  • Bara, Colombia
  • Cara culture, coastal Ecuador, 500 BC AD–1550
  • Bahía, Ecuador, 500 BC–AD 500
  • Casma culture, coastal Peru, AD 1000–1400
  • Chancay, central coastal Peru, AD 1000–1450
  • Chango, coastal Peru, northern Chile
  • Chimú, north coastal Peru, AD 1000–1450
  • Cupisnique (Precolumbian culture), 1000–200 BC, coastal Peru
  • Lambayeque (Sican culture), north coastal Peru, AD 750–1375
  • Machalilla culture, coastal Ecuador, 1500–1100 BC
  • Manteño civilization, western Ecuador, AD 850–1600
  • Moche (Mochica), north coastal Peru, AD 1–750
  • Nazca culture (Nasca), south coastal Peru, AD 1–700
  • Norte Chico civilization (Precolumbian culture), coastal Peru
  • Paiján culture, northern coastal Peru, 8700–5900 BC
  • Paracas, south coastal Peru, 600–175 BC
  • Recuay culture, Peru (Precolumbian culture)
  • Tallán (Precolumbian culture), north coastal Peru
  • Valdivia culture, Ecuador, 3500–1800 BC
  • Virú culture, Piura Region, Peru, 200 BC–AD 300
  • Wari culture (Huari culture), Peru, AD 500–1000
  • Yukpa (Yuko), Colombia
  • Yurutí, Colombia

Amazon

Northwestern Amazon

This region includes Amazonas in Brazil; the Amazonas and Putumayo Departments in Colombia; Cotopaxi, Los Rios, Morona-Santiago, Napo, and Pastaza Provinces and the Oriente Region in Ecuador; and the Loreto Region in Peru.

  • Arabela, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Arapaso (Arapaco), Amazonas, Brazil
  • Baniwa
  • Barbudo, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Bora, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Candoshi-Shapra (Chapras), Loreto Region, Peru
  • Carútana (Arara), Amazonas, Brazil
  • Chayahuita (Chaywita) Loreto Region, Peru
  • Cocama, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Cofán (Cofan), Putumayo Department, Colombia and Ecuador
  • Cubeo (Kobeua), Amazonas, Brazil and Colombia
  • Dâw, Rio Negro, Brazil
  • Flecheiro
  • Huaorani (Waorani, Waodani, Waos), Ecuador
  • Hupda (Hup), Brazil, Colombia
  • Jibito, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Jivaroan peoples, Ecuador and Peru
    • Achuar, Morona-Santiago Province and Oriente Region, Ecuador and Loreto Region, Peru
    • Aguaruna (Aguarana), Ecuador, Peru
    • Huambisa, Peru
    • Shuar, Morona-Santiago Province and Oriente Region, Ecuador and Loreto Region, Peru
  • Kachá (Shimaco, Urarina), Loreto Region, Peru
  • Kamsá (Sebondoy), Putumayo Department, Colombia
  • Kanamarí, Amazonas, Brazil
  • Kichua (Quichua)
    • Cañari Kichua (Canari)
    • Canelo Kichua (Canelos-Quichua), Pataza Province, Ecuador
    • Chimborazo Kichua
    • Cholos cuencanos
    • Napo Runa (Napo Kichua, Quijos-Quichua, Napo-Quichua), Ecuador and Peru
    • Saraguro
    • Sarayacu Kichua, Pastaza Province, Ecuador
  • Korubu, Amazonas, Brazil
  • Kugapakori-Nahua
  • Macaguaje (Majaguaje), Río Caquetá, Colombia
  • Machiguenga, Peru
  • Marubo
  • Matsés (Mayoruna, Maxuruna), Brazil and Peru
  • Mayoruna (Maxuruna)
  • Miriti, Amazonas Department, Colombia
  • Murato, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Mura, Amazonas, Brazil
    • Pirahã (Mura-pirarrã), Amazonas, Brazil
  • Nukak (Nukak-Makú), eastern Colombia
  • Ocaina, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Omagua (Cambeba, Kambeba, Umana), Amazonas, Brazil
  • Orejón (Orejon), Napo Province, Ecuador
  • Panoan, western Brazil, Bolivia, Peru
  • Sharpas
  • Siona (Sioni), Amazonas Department, Colombia
  • Siriano, Brazil, Colombia
  • Siusi, Amazonas, Brazil
  • Tariano (Tariana), Amazonas, Brazil
  • Tsohom Djapá
  • Tukano (Tucano), Brazil, Colombia
    • Barasana (Pareroa, Taiwano), Amazonas, Brazil and Vaupés, Colombia
    • Eastern Tukanoan (Tucanoan)
    • Makuna (Buhagana, Macuna), Amazonas, Brazil and Vaupés, Colombia
  • Waikino (Vaikino), Amazonas, Brazil
  • Waimiri-Atroari (Kinja, Uaimiri-Atroari), Amazonas and Roraima, Brazil
  • Wanano (Unana, Vanana), Amazonas, Brazil
  • Witoto
    • Murui Witoto, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Yagua (Yahua), Loreta Region, Peru
  • Yaminahua (Jaminawa, Yamanawa, Yaminawá), Pando Department, Bolivia
  • Yora
  • Záparo (Zaparo), Pastaza Province, Ecuador
  • Zuruahã (Suruahá, Suruwaha), Amazonas, Brazil

Eastern Amazon

This region includes Amazonas, Maranhão, and parts of Pará States in Brazil.

  • Amanayé (Ararandeura), Brazil
  • Araweté (Araueté, Bïde), Pará, Brazil
  • Awá (Guajá), Brazil
  • Ch'unchu, Peru
  • Ge
  • Guajajára (Guajajara), Maranhão, Brazil
  • Guaraní, Paraguay
  • Ka'apor, Maranhão, Brazil
  • Kuruaya, Pará, Brazil
  • Marajoara, Precolumbian culture, Pará, Brazil
  • Panará, Mato Grosso and Pará, Brazil
  • Parakanã (Paracana)
  • Suruí do Pará, Pará, Brazil
  • Tembé
  • Turiwára
  • Wayampi
  • Zo'é people, Pará, Brazil

Southern Amazon

This region includes southern Brazil (Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, parts of Pará, and Rondônia) and Eastern Bolivia (Beni Department).

  • Aikanã, Rondônia, Brazil
  • Akuntsu, Rondônia, Brazil
  • Apiacá (Apiaká), Mato Grosso and Pará, Brazil
  • Assuriní do Toncantins (Tocantins)
  • Aweti (Aueto), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Bakairí (Bakairi)
  • Chácobo (Chacobo), northwest Beni Department, Bolivia
  • Chiquitano (Chiquito, Tarapecosi), Brazil and Santa Cruz, Bolivia
  • Cinta Larga, Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Enawene Nawe, Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Gavião of Rondônia
  • Guarayu (Guarayo), Bolivia
  • Ikpeng (Xicao), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Itene, Beni Department, Bolivia
  • Irántxe (Iranche)
  • Juma (Kagwahiva), Rondônia, Brazil
  • Jurúna (Yaruna, Juruna, Yudjá), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Kaiabi (Caiabi, Cajabi, Kajabi, Kayabi), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Kalapálo (Kalapalo), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Kamayurá (Camayura), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Kanoê (Kapixaná), Rondônia, Brazil
  • Karipuná (Caripuna)
  • Karitiâna (Caritiana), Brazil
  • Kayapo, Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Kuikuro, Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Matipu, Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Mehináku (Mehinacu, Mehinako), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Moxo (Mojo), Bolivia
  • Nahukuá (Nahuqua), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Nambikuára (Nambicuara, Nambikwara), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Pacahuara (Pacaguara, Pacawara), northwest Beni Department, Bolivia
  • Pacajá (Pacaja)
  • Panará, Mato Grosso and Pará, Brazil
  • Parecís (Paressi)
  • Rikbaktsa (Erikbaksa), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Rio Pardo people, Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Sateré-Mawé (Maue), Brazil
  • Suyá (Kisedje), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Tacana (Takana), Beni and Madre de Dios Rivers, Bolivia
  • Tapajó (Tapajo)
  • Tenharim
  • Trumai, Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Tsimané (Chimané, Mosetén, Pano), Beni Department, Bolivia
  • Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau, Rondônia, Brazil
  • Wari' (Pacanawa, Waricaca'), Rondônia, Brazil
  • Wauja (Waurá, Waura), Mato Grosso, Brazil
  • Wuy jugu (Mundurucu, Munduruku)
  • Yawalapiti (Iaualapiti), Mato Grosso, Brazil

Southwestern Amazon

This region includes the Cuzco, Huánuco Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, and Ucayali Regions of eastern Peru; parts of Acre, Amazonas and Rondônia, Brazil; and parts of the La Paz and Beni Departments of Bolivia.

  • Aguano (Santacrucino, Uguano), Peru
  • Amahuaca, Brazil, Peru
  • Apurinã (Popũkare), Amazonas and Acre
  • Asháninka (Campa, Chuncha), Acre, Brazil and Junín, Pasco, Huánuco, and Ucayali, Peru
  • Banawá (Jafí, Kitiya), Amazonas, Brazil
  • Cashibo (Carapache), Huánuco Region, Peru
  • Conibo (Shipibo-Conibo), Peru and Amazonas, Brazil
  • Ese Ejja (Chama), Beni Department, Bolivia
  • Harakmbut, Madre de Dios, Peru
    • Amarakaeri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
      • Kareneri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
    • Huachipaeri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
      • Arasairi, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
      • Manuquiari, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
      • Puikiri (Puncuri), Madre de Dios Region, Peru
      • Sapiteri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
      • Toyeri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
  • Hi-Merimã, Himarimã, Amazonas, Brazil
  • Jamamadi, Acre and Amazonas, Brazil
  • Kaxinawá (Cashinahua, Huni Kuin), Peru and Acre, Brazil
  • Kulina (Culina), Peru
  • Kwaza (Coaiá, Koaiá), Rondônia, Brazil
  • Latundê, Rondônia, Brazil
  • Machinere, Bolivia and Peru
  • Mashco-Piro, Peru
  • Matís (Matis), Brazil
  • Matsés (Mayoruna, Maxuruna), Brazil, Peru
  • Parintintin (Kagwahiva’nga), Brazil
  • Shipibo, Loreto Region, Peru
  • Sirionó (Chori, Miá), Beni and Santa Cruz Departments, Bolivia
  • Ticuna (Tucuna), Brazil, Colombia, Peru
  • Toromono (Toromona), La Paz Department, Bolivia
  • Yanesha' (Amuesha), Cusco Region, Peru
  • Yawanawa (Jaminawá, Marinawá, Xixinawá), Acre, Brazil; Madre de Dios, Peru; and Bolivia
  • Yine (Contaquiro, Simiranch, Simirinche), Cuzco Region, Peru
  • Yuqui (Bia, Yuki), Cochabamba Department, Bolivia
  • Yuracaré (Yura), Beni and Cochabamba Departments, Bolivia

Gran Chaco

GranChacoApproximate
Approximate region of the Gran Chaco
  • Abipón, Argentina, historic group
  • Angaite (Angate), northwestern Paraguay
  • Ayoreo (Ayoré, Moro, Morotoco, Pyeta, Yovia, Zamuco), Bolivia and Paraguay
  • Chamacoco (Zamuko), Paraguay
  • Chané, Argentina and Bolivia
  • Chiquitano (Chiquito, Tarapecosi), eastern Bolivia
  • Chorote (Choroti, Iyo'wujwa, Iyojwa'ja Chorote, Manjuy), Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay
  • Guana (Kaskihá), Paraguay
  • Guaraní, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay
    • Bolivian Guaraní
      • Chiriguano, Bolivia
      • Guarayo (East Bolivian Guaraní)
    • Chiripá (Tsiripá, Ava), Bolivia
    • Pai Tavytera (Pai, Montese, Ava), Bolivia
    • Tapieté (Guaraní Ñandéva, Yanaigua), eastern Bolivia
    • Yuqui (Bia), Bolivia
  • Guaycuru peoples, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay
    • Mbayá (Caduveo), historic
      • Kadiweu, Brazil
    • Mocoví (Mocobí), Argentina
    • Pilagá (Pilage Toba)
    • Toba (Qom, Frentones), Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay
  • Kaiwá, Argentina and Brazil
  • Lengua people (Enxet), Paraguay
    • North Lengua (Eenthlit, Enlhet, Maskoy), Paraguay
    • South Lengua, Paraguay
  • Lulé (Pelé, Tonocoté), Argentina
  • Maká (Towolhi), Paraguay
  • Nivaclé (Ashlushlay, Chulupí, Chulupe, Guentusé), Argentina and Paraguay
  • Sanapaná (Quiativis), Paraguay
  • Vilela, Argentina
  • Wichí (Mataco), Argentina and Tarija Department, Bolivia

Southern Cone

Patagonian lang
Patagonian languages at the time of European/African contact
  • Aché, southeastern Paraguay
  • Chaná (extinct), formerly Uruguay
  • Chandule (Chandri)
  • Charrúa, southern Brazil and Uruguay
  • Comechingon (Henia-Camiare), Argentina
  • Haush (Manek'enk, Mánekenk, Aush), Tierra del Fuego
  • Het (Querandí) (extinct), formerly Argentinian Pampas
    • Chechehet
    • Didiuhet
    • Taluhet
  • Huarpe (Warpes), Argentina, Chile
    • Allentiac (Alyentiyak)
    • Millcayac (Milykayak)
    • Oico
    • Chiquillanes
    • Pehuenche (later Araucanized)
  • Mapuche (Araucanian), southwestern Argentina and Chile
    • Huilliche (Huillice, Hulliche, Güilliche), Chile
    • Lafquenche
    • Mapuche, southwestern Argentina and Chile
    • Pehuenche, south-central Chile and Argentina
    • Picunche, formerly Chile
    • Promaucae, formerly Chile
  • Mbeguá (extinct), formerly Paraná River, Argentina
  • Minuane (extinct), formerly Uruguay
  • Puelche (Guennaken, Pamba) (extinct), Argentinian and Chilean Andes
  • Tehuelche, Patagonia
    • Künün-a-Güna (Gennakenk, Gennaken)
    • Küwach-a-Güna
    • Mecharnúekenk
    • Aónikenk (Zuidelijke Tehuelche)
  • Teushen (Tehues), extinct, formerly Tierra del Fuego
  • Selk'nam (Ona), Tierra del Fuego
  • Yaro (Jaro)

Fjords and channels of Patagonia

  • Alacaluf (Kaweshkar, Halakwulup), Chile
  • Chono (Guaiteco), formerly Chiloé Archipelago, Chile
  • Yaghan (Yamana), Tierra del Fuego
  • Caucahue (poorly known, possibly a partiality of Kaweshkar or Chono)

Languages

The Indigenous languages of the Americas (or Amerindian Languages) are made up of dozens of language families. There are also language isolates, (languages unlike any others) and unclassified languages. According to UNESCO, many of these languages are endangered or extinct.

Genetic classification

Anthropologists believe that Indigenous peoples experienced two genetic episodes. The first is with the earliest peopling of the Americas and the second is with the European colonization of the Americas. The first episode helped determine the number of gene lineage and haplotypes found in today's Indigenous American populations. Haplogroup Q1a3a (Y-DNA) is the DNA most associated with the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Interesting facts about the classification of the indigenous peoples of the Americas

  • The United States has over 1,000 Native American tribes.
  • There are 476 million Indigenous people around the world and spread across more than 90 countries. Most live in Asia.
  • According to the National Geographic Society’s Enduring Voices Project, it is estimated that one Indigenous language dies every two weeks.
  • Indigenous peoples often do not control their lands.
  • Eight indigenous North American tribes have at least 100,000 members.
  • Many Indigenous people speak more than one language.

See also

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