Os índios Oyampik e Emerilon ( Rio Oiapoque): referências sobre o passado e o presente

Abstract

The Tupian indians focused in this comunication, migrated probably from the south Amazon River to the Guiana Region (lat. 2-3N.) long. 51-57 v.) in the beginning of 18th century. In 1729, according to D´Anville, the Oyampik inhabited on the right bank of upper Oyapock River (Brasil) and the Emerilon betwen the Maroni and Mana Rivers (French Guiana, Uasseipein and Cuc Rivers (Brazil). The Emerilon are setled on the left bank middle Oyapock, lower Camopi and Tampoc Rivers (French Guiana). Soon they started contacts with Europeans and Negroes , subsequently with Brazilians: explorers, traders,missionaries and miniers. After 1950 varius Oyampic groups and all Emerilon have been under control of the mouth of the Camopi Rivers. Despite the foreing influences and low population, they still keep their tupian dialets and many traditional patterns.