Xokó
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Xokó, Xocó, Shokó | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| 340 (as of 2014)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Brazil ( Sergipe,  Alagoas) | |
| Languages | |
| Formerly Xocó (now extinct), Portuguese | |
| Religion | |
| Toré, Catholicism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Kariri-Xocó, Kariri, Xukuru-Kariri |
The Xokó are an Indigenous people of northeastern Brazil, whose traditional territory is centered along the lower São Francisco River, primarily in the state of Sergipe, with historical connections to neighboring Alagoas. The Xokó are among the few remaining native groups in this region.[2][3]
The Xokó inhabit the Ilha de São Pedro (Island of St. Peter) in the municipality of Porto da Folha, Sergipe, and some surrounding mainland communities. They are thought to be the only Indigenous group inhabiting the state of Sergipe.[4] Their population is estimated at around 340 people, though numbers may vary.[3] The Xokó are closely related to the Kariri-Xocó and Xukuru-Kariri peoples of neighboring Alagoas.[2]
Language
The original Xocó language is considered extinct and today the Xokó speak Portuguese. The language was not clearly classified and is known only from a few words collected in the 20th century. It is unclear whether it was related to the languages of the Kariri-Xocó or Xukuru-Kariri peoples.