erío

Erío is a term used in some Spanish-language ethnographic writings to denote an indigenous people or ethnolinguistic group in the Americas. It is not a standardized sociopolitical category; its precise meaning varies among authors, regions, and periods. Generally, erío refers to a people or nation‑like entity that shares language, territory, and cultural practices, or to a broader collection of communities linked by kinship and social organization. In many works, erío functions as a generic label, similar to “tribe” or “ethnic group,” but it can also denote a defined polity or confederation.

Etymology and usage: The term’s origin is uncertain and it appears mainly in Spanish-language ethnography and colonial-era records. Some writers treat erío as a self-designation used by the group, while others use it as an external label. Today, scholars more often employ terms such as pueblo indígena, etnia, comunidad, or grupo lingüístico to emphasize self-definition and specific criteria.

Geographic scope: Erío is attested in studies of indigenous groups in Amazonia and adjacent regions of South America, though there is no single list of eríos. The label is contextual and can refer to different groups in different sources.

See also: Ethnolinguistic group; Indigenous peoples of the Americas; etnia; pueblo indígena.

Notes: Classifications and names vary by country, discipline, and time period, so care should be taken when comparing sources that use erío.