Shabono Structures

The Yanomami are the largest relatively isolated tribe in South America. They live in the rainforests and mountains of northern Brazil and southern Venezuela. At over 9.6 million hectares, the Yanomami territory in Brazil is twice the size of Switzerland. In Venezuela, the Yanomami live in the 8.2 million hectare Alto Orinoco – Casiquiare Biosphere Reserve. Together, these areas form the largest forested indigenous territory in the world. the yanomami live in large, circular, communal houses called yanos or shabonos. Some can house up to 400 people. the central area is used for activities such as rituals, feasts and games. each family has its own hearth where food is prepared and cooked during the day. at night, hammocks are slung near the fire which is stoked all night to keep people warm.