Question

survival: the yanomami culture and society friday - monday 9/26,9/29
learning target: i can explore the culture and society of yanomami, discovering their ways of life.
new term: find a definition online for the term “indigenous” and write it here:
instructions: go to www.survivialinternational.org under the “indigenous peoples” tab, select the americas: yanomami (brazil). as you read about the yanomami, answer the following questions. you will have two days to complete this assignment.

1. in which two countries do the yanomami live?
2. what is the name of their traditional communal house?
3. describe the environment that the yanomami live in?
4. name three ways the yanomami get their food.
5. what is one plant the yanomami use and what is it used for?
6. how many yanomami are there today?
7. how does the design of their communal house reflect their cultural values?
8. how are social roles for men and women similar in yanomami culture?

Explanation:

1. The Yanomami live in Brazil and Venezuela. This is based on general knowledge of indigenous - peoples' habitats in South America.
2. Their traditional communal house is called a yano or shabono. It is a circular structure that houses multiple families.
3. They live in the Amazon rainforest, a dense, tropical environment rich in biodiversity, with abundant waterways, tall trees, and a wide variety of plant and animal life.
4. They get food through hunting (of animals like monkeys and deer), fishing (in the rivers and streams), and gathering (of fruits, nuts, and roots).
5. One plant they use is the curare plant. It is used to make poison for their hunting arrows.
6. The population of the Yanomami varies, but estimates suggest there are around 35,000 - 40,000 Yanomami people today.
7. The circular design of the shabono reflects their sense of community and equality. Everyone has equal access to the center and to each other, promoting social interaction and cooperation.
8. In Yanomami culture, both men and women contribute to the survival of the community. Men hunt and clear land for gardening, while women gather food and take care of the gardens. Both play important roles in raising children and maintaining social order.

Answer:

1. Brazil and Venezuela
2. Yano or shabono
3. Amazon rainforest, a dense tropical environment with abundant waterways, tall trees, and rich biodiversity
4. Hunting, fishing, gathering
5. Curare plant; used to make poison for hunting arrows
6. Around 35,000 - 40,000
7. Circular design promotes community and equality, with equal access for all
8. Both contribute to community survival; men hunt and clear land, women gather and tend gardens, and both are involved in raising children and social - order maintenance