Who Are the Kadiwéu?
The Kadiwéu are a Guaicuruan-speaking indigenous people of southwestern Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, near the Bolivian border. Numbering approximately 2,000-2,500, they occupy a reserve of about 538,000 hectares—one of Brazil's largest indigenous territories. The Kadiwéu are the last survivors of the Mbayá-Guaicuru peoples, once the dominant equestrian power of the Gran Chaco region. Famous for their elaborate body painting and facial tattoo traditions, stratified society with nobles and captives, and alliance with Brazil during the Paraguayan War, the Kadiwéu maintain distinctive cultural practices on their extensive territory.
Equestrian Lords
The Kadiwéu's ancestors, the Mbayá-Guaicuru, were among the first South American peoples to adopt horses after Spanish introduction, transforming into formidable equestrian warriors by the 17th century. Mounted Mbayá dominated the Chaco, raiding settled peoples for captives and goods, and resisting colonial incursions. Their society was highly stratified: noble families ruled; below them were commoners; captives from raided groups occupied the lowest tier and performed manual labor. Nobles practiced elaborate body decoration while captives did agricultural work. This equestrian warrior culture persisted into the 19th century. Alliance with Brazil during the Paraguayan War was rewarded with land grants that form the basis of today's reserve.
Body Art
Kadiwéu body painting and facial tattooing represent a distinctive artistic tradition that attracted the attention of Claude Lévi-Strauss during his 1930s fieldwork. Women are the principal artists, applying elaborate geometric designs using dyes from the genipapo fruit (blue-black) and urucum (red). Designs follow traditional patterns but allow individual creativity; asymmetrical compositions are characteristic. Historically, facial tattoos marked noble status; today, painted designs are applied for ceremonies and increasingly for tourism and cultural events. Kadiwéu designs have influenced Brazilian art and design. Pottery decorated with similar geometric patterns is produced for sale. This body art tradition distinguishes the Kadiwéu visually from other Brazilian indigenous peoples.
Contemporary Kadiwéu
Modern Kadiwéu manage an extensive territory that includes cattle ranching—a continuation of their equestrian heritage. Some land is leased to non-indigenous ranchers, providing community income. Traditional hierarchies have softened but elite families retain influence. The Kadiwéu language is endangered; Portuguese predominates among younger generations. Cultural revitalization efforts focus on body painting, pottery, and traditional ceremonies. Political organization manages both internal affairs and relations with surrounding society. Challenges include environmental management of their vast territory, economic development, and cultural preservation. The Kadiwéu demonstrate an unusual trajectory—former equestrian warriors who transitioned to cattle ranching, maintaining territory and identity while adapting economic strategies across centuries of change.
References
- Lévi-Strauss, C. (1955). Tristes Tropiques
- Ribeiro, D. (1980). Kadiwéu: Ensaios Etnológicos sobre o Saber, o Azar e a Beleza
- Pechincha, M. T. S. (1994). Histórias de Admirar: Mito, Rito e História Kadiwéu