The Warau were food collectors. Gathering their protein from crabs and other shellfish species, they have occupied the northwest coast of Guyana for well over 7000 years. The ite or moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa) provided them with flour, fat from the larvae of the Rhyncophorus beetle, drink, fruit and leaves for thatching and hammock making. To the Warau the ite palm is the Tree of Life. Around 5300 years ago, Warau on the Moruka river developed the dugout canoe, making possible the peopling of the Caribbean.
Warrau
woodskin made from the bark of the purple heart tree. The woodskin is used
for navigation in waterways
