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Jivaro (Jívaro)

"Jivaro" is a general term used by outsiders to refer to several different Amazonian tribes of Peru and Ecuador, including the Shuar, Achuar, Shiwiar, Maina, and Aguaruna tribes. Although the origins of this word are not definitely known, it was probably a Spanish corruption of the tribal name "Shiwiar," since "sh" and "w" sounds are difficult for Spanish speakers to pronounce.

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Jivaro Resources

Here are links to our webpages about the Jivaro tribes and languages:
Shuar language
Achuar language
Shuar tribe
Achuar and Shiwiar tribes
Amazonian cultures
Jivaroan language family
Tsantsa: Jivaro shrunken heads

Here are links to some online resources about the Jivaro tribes:
Jivaro Culture
Jivaro Civilization
Wikipedia: Jivaro peoples
Encyclopedia Britannica: Jívaro

Books about the Jivaros

Here are a few good books about the Jivaro tribes:
The Jivaro: People of the Sacred Waterfalls
Jivaros: Head-Hunters Of The Amazon
In the Society of Nature: A Native Ecology in Amazonia
Upriver: The Turbulent Life and Times of an Amazonian People

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