Shabonos

Shabonos are large, communal dwellings used by certain Indigenous peoples of the Amazon, most notably the Yanomami, in the border region between Brazil and Venezuela. They function as the primary residential and social center for a village, housing multiple related nuclear families under one roof and serving as a venue for meals, ceremonies, and hospitality to guests.

Construction and layout typically involve a framework of wooden posts and saplings, with walls made from palm fronds, woven mats, or other natural materials. The roof is thatched, often with palm leaves, and the structure is usually oval or circular in plan. Inside, living and sleeping spaces are arranged along the perimeter, forming semi-private alcoves for individual families, while a large, open central area is used for cooking, social gatherings, and communal activities. A hearth or fire pit is commonly located within this central space, with smoke escaping through openings in the roof or at the eaves.

Shabonos are generally built and maintained through communal labor, drawing on locally available forest resources. They are typically constructed to suit the tropical climate, promoting ventilation and shade, and their design allows for mobility; villages may relocate or rebuild as populations shift, resources change, or social dynamics evolve. The open-plan interior supports collective life and makes shared activities, rituals, and decision-making more visible to the group.

Cultural significance is high, as the shabono acts as a focal point of social organization, identity, and hospitality. While the concept and terms vary among different Amazonian groups, the shabono remains a recognizable symbol of communal living and intergenerational exchange within these societies.