Bororo (people, South America)

Bororo (people, South America), Native South American tribe, in the southern part of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The Bororo were powerful until conflicts with white settlers in the 19th century greatly decreased their numbers. In their early state the Bororo lived by hunting; today they cultivate crops, but hunting and fishing still provide some subsistence. The tribe is divided into many clans, and the people, noted for their strength and height, live in small villages governed by chiefs. Decoration of the body, especially with feathers and red dye, is common on ceremonial occasions. Many ceremonies revolve around funerals. The Bororo language is related to the Ge language of the peoples of eastern Brazil (see Native Americans of Middle and South America: Brazilian Highlands).