Tacana people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 18,535 (2012) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Beni Department, Bolivia | |
| Languages | |
| Tacana language |
The Tacana people are a group of people who live in the Beni department of Bolivia. In 2012, there were about 18,535 Tacana people. Out of these, 559 still spoke the Tacana language as their first language.
Contents
The Tacana Story and Family Life
When the Inca Empire was growing, its people met the Tacana near the Beni River. They started to have connections with each other. Later, around 1680, Franciscans (a type of Christian missionary) came to the area. After 1731, they began setting up missions. They helped the Tacana people settle in these new communities.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, the Tacana people moved around a lot. This was because they were being used to collect cinchona (a tree used for medicine) and rubber.
In Tacana families, the father's side of the family is very important. Things like family names and property usually pass down from the father. Families can live with the parents of either the husband or wife, or they can live in their own separate house. This is similar to how many modern families live.
How They Govern Themselves
The Tacana people still use a system of leaders that the Franciscans first set up. These leaders include a mayor, a chieftain, and a policeman. They have changed these roles to fit their modern needs.
In the Abel Iturralde Province, the Tacana have created their own group called the Indigenous Council of the Tacana People (CIPTA). This council works with other Indigenous groups in La Paz and Bolivia.
Some Tacana communities in the northern Amazon region have also formed their own group. It is called the Tacana Indigenous Organization (OITA). Other Tacana communities have created the CIPOAP. These groups help the Tacana people speak up for their rights and interests.
What They Do for a Living
The Tacana people mainly work in farming. They also hunt, fish, gather plants, and make crafts from rubber. Farming is the most important activity for them.
Each family or two families work together on their own farm. They usually grow about one hectare of rice and one hectare of corn. They also grow half a hectare of bananas and a quarter hectare of cassava.
They sell some of their crops to buy other food or things they need. In the past, making rubber products was their main way to earn money.
Their Beliefs and Traditions
Traditional religious beliefs are still very important to the Tacana people. These beliefs guide their daily lives. Shamans, who are spiritual leaders, hold special ceremonies. These ceremonies happen at important times in the farming year.
The Tacana shamans are called "baba tcuai" or "tata janana". They are not just healers. They also protect the well-being of their community and the world around them. These special ceremonies are held in secret worship houses deep in the jungle. In some Tacana communities, the shaman is known as "Baba Cuana".
See also
In Spanish: Pueblo tacana para niños
