Matawai people
Matawai village | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 7,000 (2014, est.) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Kwakoegron and Boven Saramacca, Suriname | 1,300 |
| Wanica and Paramaribo | 5,500 |
| Languages | |
| Matawai, Sranan Tongo and Dutch | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, mainly Moravian Church | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Saramaka, Kwinti | |
| Granman of the Matawai people | |
|---|---|
Incumbent since 2011Lesley Valentijn | |
| Residence | Poesoegroenoe |
The Matawai (also Matuariërs) are a tribe of Surinamese Maroons. The Matawai were originally part of the Saramaka, and signed a peace agreement with the Dutch colonists in 1762. The tribe split from the Saramaka, and in 1769, they were recognized as a separate tribe.