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Aguano Indian Language (Awano, Ahuano)
Language: Aguano is an extinct language of South America. There are around 150 Aguano people living in Peru today,
but they speak only Spanish and few records of their traditional language remain.
Most linguists believe it was a member of the Arawakan language family,
perhaps closely related or even a dialect of the neighboring
Chamicuro language.
Names: "Aguano" is the people's original name for themselves, but its meaning was never recorded.
This tribal name has been spelled many different ways over the years such as Awano, Awáno, Ahuano, Uguano, or Aguanu.
Originally, the Aguano were a larger tribe with several subgroups historically known as the Seculusepa, Chilicawa,
Meliquine (or Melikine), Tivilo (or Tibilo), Culinana, and Maparina. After colonization, the Aguano population was
greatly reduced by disease and the survivors grouped together in the Spanish mission of Santa Cruz, which is why
they are also known as the Santa Crucino or Santacruzino Indians. Most Aguano descendants today still live in
the Santa Cruz area.
Lengua Aguano:
Information on the Aguano language in Spanish, including a language map showing the Aguano location in Brazil.
Aguano:
Wikipedia article on the Aguano language.
Aguano Language Tree:
Theories about Aguano's language relationships compiled by Linguist List.
OLAC: Aguano:
Reference list of Aguano language materials.
Books for sale on the Aguanos
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Comparative Arawakan Histories:
Interesting book about the history and culture of the Arawak speaking tribes.
Tribes of the Montana: An Introduction:
Paper on the Aguano and other tribes of the Peruvian Montana, including a tribal map.
Aguano Indians:
Encyclopedia article about the Aguano people today.
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