Apalai - Settlements

Exclusively Apalai villages are rare, but one may speak of predominantly Apalai communties, five of which were listed in the 1989 census. Except for "Apalai Village," where government establishments and the evangelical mission are located, the rest of the villages are sited according to economic, religious, and social considerations. Contemporary villages are located on the banks of the Paru de Leste or on nonflooding islands. The composition of villages is diversified, varying according to the number of inhabitants. Dwellings of several types, generically called tapyi, shelter nuclear families; meeting and reception houses ( tukussipanos ) for visitors feature conical roofs. Both are made from local materials. The settlement forms an irregular circle within which the main social activities take place.