The Siona Tribe

The Siona, who call themselves Zio Bain (“the people of the chagra”), live along the Putumayo, Piñuña Blanco and Cuehembí rivers in southern Colombia.

Taozen works with two Siona elders: Taita Victoriano Piaguaje Yaiguaje and Abuela Maria Lidia Payaguaje. At present, the Siona language is extremely endangered, and at threat of imminent extinction. Ethnologue reported about 500 Siona speakers between 2000 and 2008, and according to ECOYAI's most recent count, only 7 people now speak it. This page explains who the elders are, what we mean by the words we use, and where the Siona school project fits into the cultural revival and conservation effort.

In the Siona tradition, Yagé - the vine known outside the region as ayahuasca - sits at the centre of their tradition. Yagé is prepared and served by a taita, a male elder who holds the knowledge of yagé inside a lineage. Taita Victoriano trained for years - including a year in isolation in the forest - and Abuela Maria Lidia holds her own knowledge as a midwife and plant healer.

The elders and the school

Taita Victoriano Piaguaje Yaiguaje

Taita Victoriano Piaguaje Yaiguaje

Siona taita with more than 30 years of practice, taught by his father, Taita Laureano. Tenured bilingual teacher and founder of ECOYAI.
Read his profile
Abuela Maria Lidia Payaguaje

Abuela Maria Lidia Payaguaje

Siona midwife and healer from the Putumayo, partner of Victoriano, and a matriarch in her family and community.
Read her profile
ECOYAI, the Siona school project

The Siona school (ECOYAI)

ECOYAI is building a mobile school to preserve and teach the Siona language, songs and knowledge. A portion of the proceeds from Taozen retreats with Victoriano and Maria Lidia supports it.
How the school works
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Questions

Where do the Siona live?

Along the Putumayo, Piñuña Blanco and Cuehembí rivers in the Putumayo department of southern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador.

What is yagé?

Yagé is the name used in the Colombian Amazon, including by the Siona, for the ceremonial drink known elsewhere as ayahuasca. We use the word yagé when we speak about Siona practice.

What is a taita?

A taita is a male elder who holds the knowledge of yagé inside a lineage, passed down from earlier generations. Becoming one involves years of training, including time in isolation in the forest.

Where does Taita Victoriano live?

In the rainforest of the Putumayo, in Colombia, with his wife Abuela Maria Lidia, their children and grandchildren.

Is the Siona language still spoken?

Yes, but it is endangered. Ethnologue reported about 500 speakers between 2000 and 2008. According to ECOYAI's most recent count, only 7 people now speak it. Taita Victoriano founded ECOYAI to build a school that teaches the Siona language, songs and knowledge.

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