Nambicuara - Settlements

The two forms of Nambicuara settlement represent adaptation to different seasonal conditions. In the rainy season they live near rivers, in villages consisting of one or more beehive dwelling huts and a smaller ritual hut, the "flute-hut." Since the 1950s, the pitched roof has been replacing the beehive design. Many everyday objects common to tropical groups are not found among the Nambicuara. For example, the sleeping hammock is not used, leading one neighboring group, the Paressi, to call the Nambicuara "those who sleep on the ground." In the dry season, the Nambicuara lead a more nomadic existence and dwell in simple shelters constructed from palm leaves attached to a frame of poles.