Alexander van Humboldt describes a special custom in frequently flooded zones of the Orinoco. Because the floodings makes burials impossible the piranhas (called caribes by the natives) are assigned as undertakers. When the Piranhas have removed all flesh from the dead, the bones are dried and decorated before they are placed in place of honor.
The Tucuna Indians decorate their dancing masks with Piranha teeth. So do the Aweti as well. They also carry wooden imitations of Piranhas on their heads. The exact cultural purpose of these rituals is not known.
Apart from the cultural status the Piranhas jaws have a place in the everyday life as a tool. The sharp teeth of the lower jaw are used for shaving, sharpening darts and arrows and for cutting in general. Even today, some Brazil Indian tribes refer to ordinary scissors as 'Piranha'.

The Piranha in addition to the above serve as a valuable food fish, rather easy to catch. They are said to be delicious.