Waikerí facts for kids
The Waikerí (say "Why-keh-REE") or Guaiqueríes (say "Gwy-keh-REE-es") were a group of indigenous people who lived a long time ago in northern Venezuela. Indigenous people are the first people who lived in a certain area. The Waikerí mainly lived on islands near the coast of Venezuela, like Isla Margarita, Cubagua, and Coche. They also lived in nearby coastal areas on the mainland, such as the Araya Peninsula.
Some people think the Waikerí might have been related to the Warao people, or to the Arawaks or Cumanagotos. Being "related" in this way often means they shared similar languages or customs.
Who Were the Waikerí?
The Waikerí were one of the many native groups living in Venezuela before Europeans arrived. They were known for living near the sea, which suggests they might have been skilled fishers or sailors.
Their Language
A famous explorer named Alexander von Humboldt visited Venezuela a long time ago. He wrote that the Waikerí people themselves believed their language was similar to the language spoken by the Warao people. This connection between their languages suggests they might have had a shared history or traded with each other.
See also
In Spanish: Waikerí for kids
