Introduction / History

The Ashaninka are a seminomadic tribe found within the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. European colonization dominated much of Ashaninka history until 1742 when an Amerindian uprising overthrew colonial rule. This uprising caused the removal of European missionaries in the area. The land was recolonized in 1847.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Ashaninka settlements are centered around community. Group hunting and fishing, intertribal trade, and shared resources make these communities self-sufficient. Traditionally, women govern the garden, while men hunt tapirs, boars and monkeys. Children’s official names are given upon reaching seven years.
Guerrilla warfare and illegal coca trade have shaped the lives of modern Ashaninka. Many are refugees, suffering from malnutrition and other dangers. Those in war-torn areas build trenches beneath their homes as refuges from attacks. These circumstances have also affected educational opportunities for rising generations.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Primary spiritual beliefs come from cultural religion. Traditional myths play an influential role in the Ashaninka worldview. Good and evil spirits are seen as the causes of circumstances, and entrance to heaven is work-based. The dead may also become malicious ghosts. Shamans and sheripiári have spiritual authority, with the latter being intermediaries between the spiritual and physical. Ashaninka eschatology is apocalyptic; tradition teaches the world will be destroyed prior to rebirth. The new world will be free of suffering. Due to its prevalence in certain regions, Catholicism has also affected Ashaninka beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ashaninka have been deeply affected by the tragedy of war. Many are scattered as refugees and suffer from both physical and spiritual needs.

Prayer Points

Ask God to comfort those experiencing affliction in Peru.
Pray that even as the Ashaninka experience the pain and difficulty of fleeing their region, they would meet faithful disciples of Christ.
Pray for the Ashaninka to be protected from a multitude of physical, spiritual and emotional dangers.
Ask God to enable them to faithfully follow him and make disciples.
Pray that Ashaninka followers of Christ would reach people groups they have exclusive access to.

Scripture Prayers for the Asheninka, Perene in Peru.

References

https://www.everyculture.com/wc/Norway-to-Russia/Ash-ninka.html
https://pib.socioambiental.org/en/Povo:Ashaninka
https://vimeo.com/channels/ashaninka