Apoteri is located at the confluence of the ‘white’ Rupununi and ‘black’ Essequibo rivers, about two and a half hours, during high water season, from the administrative centre of Annai. The village is the most remote of the North Rupununi communities.
Apoteri is an old Carib village known since the days of Schomburgk and Im Thurn. It was a stopping point for travellers exploring Guyana’s hinterland in the early 1800s.
Today, Apoteri is known for its role in the balata trade. The village, of about 600 persons, is predominantly Wapishana, with Makushi and Patamona.
Its isolation, in part, has helped the village to continue maintaining a traditional way of life that includes farming, hunting and fishing.
Despite its isolation, the general culture of the people has changed from purely indigenous to a mixture of practices. The village now has two churches: Anglican and Christian Brethren. Other influences include music, food and fashion, brought back by those visiting other locations, especially Brazil.
But these new influences do not affect community togetherness. The villagers still work together on community self-help projects and celebrating special occasions. They also organize sport events with other communities, helping the people to remain connected, and promote positive relations.
One of the most scenic locations near the village is the King William Falls, located along the Upper Essequibo River. There you can enjoy a wilderness experience unlike any other in the world. (Information from projectcobra.org)
