Ochavas Courses

The Ochavas are one of the oldest tribal groups in South America, dating back thousands of years. They are presently settled in the Rio Negro region of Brazil and are thought to be of Arawak origin. The Ochavas are a semi-nomadic threat associated with the Amazon rainforest. They depend largely on subsistence farming for their livelihood, and traditional knowledge and rituals are still practiced by the tribe. Hunting, gathering, and fishing are also important, and they are well known for their artisan products such as basketry, pottery and wood carving. The Ochavas live in villages, which vary in size. A typical village may contain a chief, a shaman, and several families. Ochavas are very much in tune with the environment and traditional practices, such as the celebration of festivals in honour of their gods. They also believe in the practice of shamanism and hold sacred a variety of rivers and forests. In recent years, there has been an increase in mining and logging activities in the Ochavas area, leading to deforestation and disruption of their traditional lifestyle. The Brazilian government has set up several preserves in order to protect the Ochavas from external influences, and efforts have been made to help the tribe make the transition to modern life. In addition, the tribe has started to make some efforts to re-establish traditional rites and beliefs.