The word Dâw is a self-designation, meaning people. In literature, as well as in Alto Rio Negro, they are often referred to as Kamã, but this is considered very pejorative.[2]
During the 1980s the Dâw were close to extinction due to an unbalance between the number of men and women. There were only few women, and many of the women left were old and unable to carry a child. In 1984, the number of Dâw was only 56.[3] Since then the situation has improved considerably, and the Dâw are no longer threatened by extinction in spite of the low population. Today, all Dâw have the Dâw language as their first language, while many also speak Nheengatu and Portuguese.[4][5][6]
Today, the Dâw are in a permanent contact with non-indigenous people, mostly in the nearby city, São Gabriel da Cachoeira.[5]
