Motilón Barí.
Population
This indigenous town has a population of 5,923 people
4,897 are in the municipal capitals
the highest concentration of this population are Cúcuta and Tibú.
Their History
Since pre-Hispanic times, the area was characterized by permanent intercultural contact between groups from the surrounding regions
An amerindian people that live in the jungles of the catatumbo river, on both sides of the border between Colombia and Venezuela
Starting in the first decade of the 20th century, concessions were made for oil exploitation in the Barí territory
Encouraging the opening of highways and the massive colonization of the region
In 1963, guided by the conceptions of indigenismo, the director of Indigenous Affairs of Colombia began a work to protect the territory that was still controlled by the Barí and later two
In the 21st century, the Barí are once again threatened by the interests of the mining companies in Venezuela
Social Organization.
They are a totally democratic society
The political authority is the cacique (ñatubai)
In each family there are two caciques with hierarchical order according to age
Territory
The territory and natural resources are sacred
Ishthana
The prohibited areas
The Enchanted
Communals
Current issues
Diseases from mining
Violence by the guerrillas and self-defense groups
Violation of your rights by the government
Loss of traditions and identity
Culture and traditions
Traditions
Rituals
Sing to the arrows
The Barí language is part of the linguistic family
Chibcha.