Embera-Saija in Colombia

Introduction / History

Culturally the Embera peoples are very similar to the neighboring Wounaan people. One of the subgroups of the Embera is the Saija. Though the Embera-Saija live in Panama and Ecuador, most are in Colombia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Embera-Saija hunters use dart poison on the tips of their arrows. Men either wear a slender loincloth or western style clothes. Women wear the same clothes as their ancestors, which includes a short wraparound skirt made from bark and/or colorful cloth. Women love jewelry made from coins. These can be necklaces or pounded into earrings or bracelets. Both genders color their skin with red or blue dyes made from natural materials. They tattoo themselves with geometric designs.
The Embera-Saija enjoy a drink made from fruits, sugarcane or maize. For their food supply they grow rice, yams, plantains and bananas.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A little over half are Roman Catholic, but their form of Catholicism can be blended with indigenous beliefs. Others maintain indigenous practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Embera-Saija people need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ, and his work on the cross.

Prayer Points

Pray for the few Embera-Saija followers of Christ to disciple others in the faith.
Pray for the Embera-Saija to have a spiritual hunger, and that it will be satisfied by Jesus Christ alone.
Pray for the Lord to protect the Embera-Saija people from outsiders who might want to use them and abuse them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project