Though many theories have been presented through
the year, the history, linguistic affiliations and ethnic origins of the
Waorani still remain unkown. Once an extremely violent people, they
often attacked intruders, killing any outsiders entering their
territory. They instilled great fear, hence their most common name
“Auca” (taken as an insult, this translates from the Kichwa word for
savage). They prefer to be called Waorani which translates to “the
people”. There were only a few Waorani clans controlling the whole
of the territory, living as hunters and swidden gardeners (rotating
their crops), but due to their extreme violence towards outsiders
entering their territory, the Waorani seemed more numerous than they
actually were. They lived hidden away on the highest hills of the
terra firme forest away from the larger rivers. Previously, they
did not use any form of river transportation.
The first visitors to Waorani territory arrived
approximately in 1658. More reliable sightings of the first
Waorani come from the last 100 years or so during the era of the rubber
trade. Historically victims of persecution during this trade from
1875 to 1925 and even sold in the slave markets in Iquitos and Manaus,
the Waorani sought refuge, remaining totally isolated. Some
isolated groups still remain hidden away in Yasuni National Park.
In 1955 and 1956 American Protestant missionaries
began “Operation “Auca” to contact these tribes. The Catholics
began their missionary work with the Waorani in the seventies.
Waorani culture is in a disappearing phase as many
Waorani adapt to western ways including food and clothing. Many of
the youth no longer value the knowledge of the elders and most Waorani
(present population of 3,000) live in permanent settlements with
schools. Most of the present day Waorani, hunt and fish for their
main sources of food. Tourism is helping them preserve their culture as
the Waorani see that ecotourists value and appreciate their culture.
