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Kofán, Cofán or A’i
The Wise
Location: Ecuador - Colombia
Language: A´ingae
Population: approximately 1,600 inhabitants
They inhabit the northwest of the Amazon on the border
between Colombia and Ecuador. By tradition, Kofanes are good
hunters, fishermen, excellent connoisseurs of the jungle and
of biodiversity. They grow corn, cassava, bananas, beans, chili,
coffee, rice, and fruit trees. The women dedicate themselves
to the elaboration and modifications of handicrafts in seed,
natural fibers and clay.
The traditional organization is based on groups of patrilineal
descent, (which is transmitted by the paternal line), led by the
shaman, who is its political and religious leader.
According to historical data, in the prehistoric era the Kofán
people had about fifteen thousand inhabitants and until 1953
they lived in complete isolation.
Currently, the Kofanes are being victims of a strong process
of weakening, due to the invasion of neighboring cultures and
the arrival of oil industries that daily threaten their natural
environments and therefore their existence.
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