01/22/2025
1956— Photograph of Javier Pereira of Columbia at the age of 167. Javier Pereira, a Zenu Indian from Colombia— famously believed to have lived for 200 years, with his birth year often cited as 1789 in the Viceroyalty of New Granada and his death as March 30, 1989. Although there is no definitive proof of his exact age, many people, including journalists and historians, claimed he had lived for two centuries.
Pereira’s story gained international attention when he traveled to New York City in September 1956, sponsored by Ripley’s Believe It or Not. During his visit, he underwent extensive medical examinations at Cornell Medical Center. Despite his alleged advanced age, he amazed doctors and the public with his vitality. He was described as being 4 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 35kgs. Although he had lost all his teeth, his hair remained brown. Remarkably, his blood pressure and arteries resembled those of a much younger person, and he could perform feats like standing on one leg, pirouetting, walking several blocks, and climbing stairs without difficulty. One doctor even remarked that Pereira appeared to be more than 150 years old.
At a press conference held at the Biltmore Hotel on September 27, 1956, Pereira, showing his spirited nature, punched four people, reportedly in good humor. Asked about the secret to his longevity, Pereira shared simple advice: chew cocoa beans, drink plenty of coffee, and avoid worrying too much.
Pereira claimed to remember significant historical events, such as the Siege of Cartagena in 1815, as well as conflicts among indigenous communities and a devastating famine that occurred long before. He was “discovered” in 1954, by which time he had outlived five wives, all of his children, and even his grandchildren, the last of whom reportedly died in 1941 at the age of 85.
After his death on March 30, 1989, in Montería, Colombia, an Associated Press report described him as “the little Indian believed by many to be the world’s oldest man.” While his exact age remains unverifiable, his story continues to fascinate people. In 1957, Colombia even issued a postage stamp in his honor, commemorating his extraordinary claim to longevity.
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