Bororo

The Bororo are an indigenous people of Brazil, historically inhabiting the Mato Grosso region. They are traditionally known for their distinct social structure and intricate ceremonial practices. The Bororo were historically divided into two main groups: the Coxiponé and the Boro, each with their own territories and customs. They were primarily semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on the abundant natural resources of the Cerrado and Amazonian transition zones for sustenance.

Bororo society was organized into clans, with a strong emphasis on kinship and lineage. Their social organization was complex, featuring exogamous moieties and a system of chiefs who held both spiritual and political authority. Their cosmology is rich, filled with myths and legends that explain the origins of the world, humanity, and the natural phenomena they observed. Their material culture included distinctive pottery, feather work, and body ornamentation.

Contact with European colonists and later Brazilian settlers led to significant cultural and demographic changes for the Bororo. Displacement from their ancestral lands, disease, and cultural assimilation have all impacted their traditional way of life. Despite these challenges, the Bororo have maintained elements of their identity and continue to advocate for their rights and cultural preservation. Contemporary Bororo communities are engaged in efforts to revitalize their language, traditions, and protect their remaining territories.