This glossary defines key geographical, cultural, and biological terms related to the Orinoco Delta and the Warao indigenous people. It includes words from the Warao language, Venezuelan Spanish, and common scientific names used in the region.
- Bora
- Aquatic plants, specifically water hyacinths, that form massive, floating meadows in the calm waters of the Orinoco Delta. They are slowly dragged along by the current and provide vital habitat for fish.
- Caño
- A natural or semi-natural channel, canal, or small river in the delta. The delta is crisscrossed by hundreds of these narrow waterways, many of which are only navigable by canoe or small boat.
- Caribe
- The local Venezuelan name for piranhas, a diverse group of omnivorous freshwater fish famous for their sharp teeth and aggressive feeding behavior.
- Curiara
- A traditional dugout canoe carved entirely from a single tree trunk. It is the primary mode of transport for the Warao people and the most important tool for navigating the delta.
- Estero
- A tidal or semi-tidal inlet, lagoon, or swampy area near the coast. In the delta, it marks the transition zone between freshwater rivers and the Atlantic mangroves.
- Jaruma
- A starchy pith extracted from the inner trunk of the Moriche palm. The Warao process this starch to bake their traditional bread.
- Manaca
- A type of palm wood traditionally used by the Warao to construct the elevated floors of their stilt houses (palafitos).
- Morichal
- A stand or swamp of Moriche palms growing on wet ground. It is the signature plant community of the Orinoco Delta.
- Moriche
- The Moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa). The Warao call it the "Tree of Life" because it provides them with food (fruit and starch), fiber (for hammocks and baskets), shelter, and materials for tools.
- Palafito
- A stilt house built over water or flood-prone ground. It is the traditional dwelling style of the Warao people, keeping them safe from seasonal river floods.
- Temiche
- A type of palm whose dried leaves are expertly woven by the Warao to create the gabled roofs of their palafitos.
- Warao
- The indigenous people of the Orinoco Delta. In their own language, the name translates to "The People." (Often incorrectly translated as "canoe people").
- Warom
- Edible palm weevil grubs (larvae). The Warao traditionally fell Moriche or Açaí palm trees and wait about 30 days for these protein-rich larvae to infest the decaying wood. They are considered a delicacy.