Akawaio
(ACEWAIO, AKAWAI, ACAHUAYO, KAPON) [ARB] 3,800 in Guyana, 9% of the Amerindians (1990 J. Forte); 500 in Brazil; very few in Venezuela with no villages there (1982 D. Wall WC); 4,300 or more in all countries. West central, north of Patamona. Carib, Northern, East-West Guiana, Macushi-Kapon, Kapon.Important differences in vocabulary from Patamona. Language attitudes indicate separate literature is needed. They and the Patamona call themselves 'Kapon'. Tropical forest. Upland. Hunter-gatherers, fishermen.Traditional religion. Bible portions 1873.Work in progress.
Classification: Cariban, Northern, East-West Guyana, Macushi-Kapon, Kapon.
Dialects: Kapon.
Population: Total number of members of the ethnic group: 5,000 (Forte 2000) (more in Venezuela and Brazil).
Region: Guyana, lowland and upland forests, the Mazaruni River Basin, north of Patamona.
