Kulina is the name of a tribe which has a language by the same name. Their language is in the Araw language family. They call themselves Madija. Inside their villages, they speak their own language; outside, they speak Portuguese, the Brazilian trade language.
The first outsiders to encounter the Kulina were plant collectors. By the end of the 1800s they encountered those who wanted to harvest rubber. These people destroyed entire villages and forced Kulinas to work in slave conditions.
They have five settlements. All deal with threats from those who want to encroach on their land, hunt their game and fish in their waters. The Kulinas are always trying to defend their rights.
Their homes are built on pillars with paxiuba palm floorboards and Jarina leaves for roofs. They keep their private possessions there: weapons, hammocks, etc. About 20 people live in each house. Each house has a dining room to the side of the main entrance.
Girls begin to learn household duties as early as three or four. They learn to build a fire and play with toy cooking pots. Females of all ages go to the gardens together each day to collect produce for meals. After girls get married, they carry on the same routine, only for their husband,
Though there is a strong Roman Catholic influence on their spirituality, the Kulina people are basically shamanists. They believe in the power of shamans and witchdoctors over the spirit world and sickness. They have ritualistic music.
The Kulinas need God s protection and guidance.
Pray for the Lord s protection of the Kulinas. May they respond with gratitude and devotion.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Kulina families, drawing both fathers and mothers to the only savior, Jesus Christ.
Pray for a spiritual revival to take place in Kulina communities.
Pray that soon Kulina disciples will make more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Kulina in Brazil.
https://pib.socioambiental.org/en/Povo:Kulina
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
