Moraikobai | |
|---|---|
| Etymology: Arawak | |
  Moraikobai | |
| Coordinates: 6°05′44″N57°57′17″W / 6.095495°N 57.954708°W Coordinates: 6°05′44″N57°57′17″W / 6.095495°N 57.954708°W | |
| Country | Guyana |
| Province | Mahaica-Berbice |
| Region | 5 |
| Population (2015) [1] | |
| • Total | 500 |
Moraikobai is an Amerindian village located in the Mahaica-Berbice of Guyana, South America. [2]
The community was initially called “Moracoba”; a name that was birthed from a combination of two Arawak words; ‘Mora’ meaning tree and ‘Coba’ meaning stump. [3] However, several decades ago the name was officially changed to ‘Moraikobai’. The village is situated approximately ninety-six miles (154 km) from the confluence of the Mahaicony River, and is only accessible by the Mahaicony creek, helicopter, and trail, the latter of which can be treacherous given that it is of sand; it connects the village to Linden in Region 10 and consists of a population of just over five hundred residents, who are predominantly indigenous peoples from the Arawak tribe. [1] Dorothy Patoir is said to be the first individual born in the village when it was established many decades ago. Presently, the village is led by a Toshao (Indigenous leader).
The geographical construct of the village is relatively large, naturally fertile, and mostly unoccupied. Logging and farming are the major economic activities of the village. [4]
Moraikobai has a rich religious heritage, and its people endorse the Christian religion to a large extent. [1] In this respect, the village consists of three churches including an Anglican church which was established when the community was first inaugurated as a mission. It follows that in the early days the village was known as St. Francis Mission [5] and later, St. Francis District. Moraikobai is also known for its huge benab and exquisite handicraft produced by its skilled residents.
Moraikobai is supported by a health centre, nursery and primary schools and a guest house, which is funded by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of region 5. [1] [3] Secondary schooling is done in Mahaicony. [4]
The Arawak are a group of indigenous peoples of northern South America and of the Caribbean. Specifically, the term "Arawak" has been applied at various times to the Lokono of South America and the Taíno, who historically lived in the Greater Antilles and northern Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. All these groups spoke related Arawakan languages.
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Mahaica-Berbice is a region of Guyana, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the region of East Berbice-Corentyne to the east, the region of Upper Demerara-Berbice to the south and the region of Demerara-Mahaica to the west.
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The Taíno were a historic indigenous people of the Caribbean, whose culture has been continued today by Taíno descendant communities and Taíno revivalist communities. At the time of European contact in the late 15th century, they were the principal inhabitants of most of what is now Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and the northern Lesser Antilles. The Lucayan branch of the Taíno were the first New World peoples encountered by Christopher Columbus, in the Bahama Archipelago on October 12, 1492. The Taíno spoke a dialect of the Arawakan language group. They lived in agricultural societies ruled by caciques with fixed settlements and a matrilineal system of kinship and inheritance. Taíno religion centered on the worship of zemis.
St. Cuthbert's Mission is an Amerindian village on the Mahaica River in the Demerara-Mahaica region of Guyana. It comprises approximately 200 households. St. Cuthbert's is regarded by many people in Guyana as the "cultural capital" for Amerindians.
Indigenous peoples in Guyana, Native Guyanese, or Amerindian Guyanese are Guyanese people who are of indigenous ancestry. They comprise approximately 9.16% of Guyana's population. Amerindians are credited with the invention of the canoe, as well as Cassava-based dishes and Guyanese pepperpot, the national dish of Guyana. Amerindian languages have also been incorporated in the lexicon of Guyanese Creole.
The Lokono or Arawak are an Arawak people native to northern coastal areas of South America. Today, approximately 10,000 Lokono live primarily along the coasts and rivers of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Barbados and French Guiana. They speak the Arawak language, the eponymous language of the Arawakan language family, as well as various Creole languages, and English.
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