Waorani - Sociopolitical Organization

Social Organization. Within the concept of "Waorani" are several subclassifications. Warani, "others," are Waorani for whom no common ancestors can be traced, although common descent is thought possible. "Gerinani" are Waorani for whom there is a kin term and with whom marriages may not take place. "Arorani" are Waorani among whom marriages are arranged. The Waorani tend to be highly egalitarian; like men and women, the various age groups have nearly equal status. This egalitarianism is not extended to Warani.

Political Organization. Waorani are fiercely independent and individualistic. Communities are acephalous, and leadership is situationally defined. Until the Waorani needed to interact with the Ecuadoran government, no community-level organization existed. Now some individuals, women in particular, are acting as representatives of their communities. This aspect of the culture is in the process of dramatic change.

Social Control. Traditionally, peer pressure has been almost the only mechanism of social control. The threat of death by spearing might ultimately act as a deterrent, but that measure is so extreme as to have limited utility as a daily mechanism for minor problems. Today the threat of calling in the Ecuadoran military to apprehend offenders has replaced the threat of revenge spearing.

Conflict. A long history of revenge spearing raids has given the Waorani the highest documented rate of death by violence of any population on earth. At the time of contact four groups of Waorani were dispersed over their territory, each hostile to the other. The vendetta that motivated them permeated all aspects of Wao life and culture. Paradoxically, life on a daily level within the settlement was peaceful, almost to the point of being idyllic. Violence within the family and household was almost unheard of; even arguments were rare.