| Group: | Tapayuna |
| Total: | 167[1] |
| Total Year: | 2020 |
| Regions: | Mato Grosso (Brazil) |
| Languages: | Tapayuna language |
| Religions: | Ethnoreligion[2] |
The Tapayuna (autonym: Kajkwakratxi), also known as Tapayúna, Western Suyá and Beiço-de-Pau are an indigenous people native to the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Their population was around 167 in 2020.
The Tapayuna speak the Tapayuna language, a Northern Jê language closely related and mutually intelligible with the Kĩsêdjê language.[3] [4]
The Tapayuna historically lived on the Arinos River, in the Tapajós basin, between Juruena and Aripuanã.[5] They were decimated in mid-20th century as a result of numerous conflicts with Brazilian settlers, rubber tappers, and ranchers; it is estimated that their population declined 90% until reaching 41 individuals in 1969,[5] [6] [7] which has been characterized as an ethnocide.[5] The surviving Tapayúna were then transferred to Xingu Indigenous Park at some point between 1969 and 1970, resulting in 10 more deaths.[6] At first, they stayed with the Kĩsêdjê, speakers of a closely related language.[5] Later, many Tapayúna moved to Terra Indígena Capoto-Jarina, where they went on to live with the Mẽtyktire subgroup of the Kayapó people, speakers of another Northern Jê language, Mẽbêngôkre.[5]
The Tapayuna are generally monogamous; however, the pajé is allowed to marry two women. After marriage, a Tapayuna man must take up residence in his father-in-law's house.