a result, nearly all Matawai are Christian and mainly adhere to the Moravian Church. Agriculture and economy Traditionally, the Matawai lived on subsistence agriculture, hunting, gathering and fishing. In the most densely populated areas, the gardens have not reached depletion. Gold mining around Nieuw Jacobkondre, and logging are a major source of income. Ecotourism is being promoted in Ebbatop, Nieuw Jacobkondre, and Poesoegroenoe. Language The Matawai have their own language, which is related to the Saramaka language and is derived from Plantation Creole, which is now known as Sranan Tongo. However, the branch diverted around 1700 and evolved separately. Matawai is an endangered language spoken in the villages, but code switching with Sranan Tongo, other Maroon languages, and Dutch is common. In the urban areas, Sranan Tongo and Dutch have become the main languages, and many parents promote Dutch as the primary language. Villages Boslanti Heidoti Kwakoegron Kwattahede Makajapingo Maripaston Moetoetoetabriki Nieuw Jacobkondre Pakka-Pakka Poesoegroenoe Tabrikiekondre Warnakomoponafaja References Bibliography External links Lands of Freedom: the oral history and cultural heritage of the Matawai Maroons in Suriname Matawai Surinamese Maroons