Wanano - Orientation

Identification. The Wanano constitute one of the fifteen to twenty named, linguistically distinct, exogamous groups that form an integrated, intermarrying system in the Brazilian and Colombian northwest Amazon. The Wanano call themselves "Kotitia" and are called "Ockotikana" by the Tukano, "Okodyiua" by the Kobeua, and "Panumapa" by the Tariana. The population is known in the literature as the "Wanano," "Guanano" (a Spanish spelling), or "Uanano" (a Portuguese spelling). "Anana" may be an additional variant.

Location. The Wanano occupy a nearly contiguous stretch along the middle course of the Rio Uaupés, from Jandhu Cachoeira in Brazil to Uarucapury in Colombia. The Uaupés (Vaupés in Spanish) originates in Colombia and flows southeast into Brazil, where it enters the Rio Negro near Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira.

Demography. The Wanano population totals some 1,400 to 1,600 individuals, with approximately 700 located in Brazil and an estimated 900 reported for Colombia.

Linguistic Affiliation. The Wanano language belongs to the Eastern Tukanoan Language Family. Dialectal differences are found between upriver and downriver Wanano.