Who Are the Pemon?
The Pemon (Pemón) are an indigenous people of the Gran Sabana region of southeastern Venezuela, with smaller populations in adjacent areas of Brazil and Guyana. They number approximately 30,000-35,000, primarily in Venezuela's Bolívar state. They speak Pemon, a Cariban language with three major dialects: Taurepan, Arekuna, and Kamarakoto. The Pemon inhabit one of the world's most distinctive landscapes—the tepui tablelands, ancient sandstone plateaus rising from the savanna. Their territory includes Angel Falls, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. The Pemon's homeland became Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tepui Landscape
The Pemon homeland features the tepui—ancient tabletop mountains that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World." These dramatic sandstone formations rise up to 3,000 meters from the surrounding savanna, their summits harboring unique endemic species isolated for millions of years. Angel Falls (Kerepakupai Merú in Pemon) plunges 979 meters from Auyán-tepui. The Pemon developed mythology and place names for this landscape; tepui summits are associated with spirits and creation narratives. While indigenous peoples traditionally avoided tepui summits, Pemon guides now lead tourists to these spectacular formations, combining traditional knowledge with modern tourism.
Canaima National Park
Pemon territory became Canaima National Park in 1962 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. This creates complex relationships between the Pemon, the Venezuelan government, and conservation. The Pemon have lived within the park boundaries for generations, but park regulations sometimes conflict with traditional practices like fire management. The Pemon are involved in tourism as guides, boat operators, and camp managers, particularly at Canaima lagoon and for trips to Angel Falls. However, tensions over land rights, development, and park management persist. The Pemon seek recognition as traditional owners rather than merely park residents.
Contemporary Pemon
Modern Pemon face Venezuela's ongoing political and economic crisis, which has affected tourism, their major income source. Some Pemon have participated in political movements seeking indigenous rights and autonomy. Evangelical Christianity, introduced by American missionaries, has become widespread, transforming religious life. Traditional practices including shamanism persist in some communities. The Venezuelan-Brazilian-Guyanese border runs through Pemon territory, creating complexities of nationality and movement. Mining, both legal and illegal, threatens traditional lands. How the Pemon navigate Venezuela's instability while maintaining their spectacular homeland and cultural heritage defines this tepui people's uncertain future.
References
- Thomas, D. J. (1982). Order without Government: The Society of the Pemon Indians of Venezuela
- Butt Colson, A. (1973). "Inter-tribal Trade in the Guiana Highlands"
- Gassón, R. (2002). "Orinoquia: The Archaeology of the Orinoco River Basin"