Tunebo, Central in Colombia

Introduction / History

Tunebos are also known as U wa. They are divided into four subgroups, one of which is nearly extinct. The smallest is the Angosturas. There is also the Central, Eastern and Western subgroups, each with their own dialect of Tunebo. They also have eight clans that all survived the dramatic population loss since the beginning of the 20th century.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Eastern Tunebo villages are on mountain slopes. They have several ways their build their homes. Each village has a ceremonial house.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Tunebo religious traditions involve an annual summer event where they sing the world into being and bring equilibrium between the layers of the world. That includes sky, mountains, water, earth and oil. They also consider non-Tunebos to be impure, so they perform purification rituals. Mother Earth was a treasure given by Sira to humanity to be cultivated for survival. That belief puts them at odds with mining and drilling interests. There are also Christians among them, usually Roman Catholics.

What Are Their Needs?

The Central Tunebos have been in conflict with oil companies that want to drill on their land. They regard oil to be the blood of Mother Earth, which makes oil drilling especially abhorrent to them.

Prayer Points

Pray for peace and justice for the Central Tunebo people in Colombia.
Pray for God s protection for the vulnerable Tunebo tribes.
Pray for the Lord to send the Holy Spirit to minister in their churches, drawing hundreds to a close relationship with Jesus Christ.
Pray for Central Tunebo disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project