Saramaccan, Matawari in Suriname
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| People Name: | Saramaccan, Matawari |
| Country: | Suriname |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,400 |
| World Population: | 1,400 |
| Primary Language: | Saramaccan |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.50 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Hispanic American, other |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
There are six subgroups of the Saramaccan peoples, one of which is the Matawari. Their ancestors were escaped African slaves of the Dutch colonialists in the 1600s-1700s. Later the Dutch eliminated slavery. The Saramaccan set up their own communities in the jungles where they grew corn, okra, beans, plantains and peanuts. The men hunted and fished to provide meat to their diet. They raided Dutch settlements and fortified their communities for protection. They forced the Dutch to set up a peace treaty with them. Even then their land was sometimes overrun by gold miners.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Today the various Saramaccan communities, including the Matawari, face challenges. The government of Suriname allowed a Chinese logging company to use their land without their permission and without offering compensation.
The Matawari Saramaccan people retain some of their customs held over by their African ancestors. For example, they came from a tribe that is matrilineal, so that is their custom. Because she has higher economic status, a woman might have three houses.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Matawari Saramaccan people have a Christian influence in their communities, but most of them practice traditional African religion.
What Are Their Needs?
These communities need protection from those who wish to exploit their land. Their ability to bargain or fight for their rights have waxed and waned through the centuries.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to guide and protect the Matawari Saramaccan people in the years to come.
Pray for culturally sensitive Christ followers to take the only savior to their communities, teaching them his ways.
Pray for disciples who will make more disciples.