Piapoco in Colombia
Photo Source:
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| People Name: | Piapoco |
| Country: | Colombia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 15,000 |
| World Population: | 18,400 |
| Primary Language: | Piapoco |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 50.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 38.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South American Indigenous |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Piapocos are an indigenous group in Colombia. They have maintained their language by the same name. Through their history, they have had to escape others. In the 1700s they left their homeland to get away from Jesuit missionaries. Other times they have fled to avoid contact with rubber tappers, settlers and cattle ranchers.
What Are Their Lives Like?
These farmers plant their crops in March and sometimes get a second crop in August. Manioc is their staple food. Women process manioc to make cakes and tapioca. Some of it is fermented to make beer. They supplement their diet by fishing, hunting and gathering wild fruits. They also eat insects and reptiles. Some are day laborers.
Families answer to a father-in-law. A young man works for his father-in-law for a couple of years. They have totemic clans.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Piapoco spirituality can best be described as shamanistic. After a time of apprenticeship, a young man or woman can become a shaman. They use hallucinogenic drugs in their training. They try to spit out what causes disease in their clients.
However, there is also a strong Christian community, including a large percentage of Evangelicals.
What Are Their Needs?
The Piapocos need to learn new job skills that will help them adjust to the high-tech needs of the 21st century.
Prayer Points
Pray for God to have his hand of protection and mercy on Piapoco families.
Pray for Piapoco disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to bring revival to the Piapoco homeland.