When my husband and I decided to indulge ourselves in a nomadic lifestyle Argentina became our first country to explore. It was large and diverse in its many regions and we loved it. Our base was the incredible capital city of Buenos Aires which seemed like a country in and of itself. Buenos Aires turned out to be our jumping off point for visiting many other parts of Argentina.
A lovely older Mapuche woman we met during our exploration of the area and their culture.
On one of our first explorations we headed to the Northwest region of Argentina which intrigued me. The Argentine Northwest (Noroeste Argentino) is a geographic and historical region of Argentina composed of the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero, and Tucuman. Little did I know how the landscape and culture of this region would capture my fascination.
It was here that I was “introduced” to the indigenous Mapuche people of this stunning area of Argentina. And now many many years later I look forward to sharing the Mapuche culture and people with you as part of my “INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF LATIN AMERICA” blog series.
So let’s meet the Mapuche indigenous people of Argentina and Chile.
On one of our first explorations we headed to the Northwest region of Argentina which intrigued me. The Argentine Northwest (Noroeste Argentino) is a geographic and historical region of Argentina composed of the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero, and Tucuman. Little did I know how the landscape and culture of this region would capture my fascination.
It was here that I was “introduced” to the indigenous Mapuche people of this stunning area of Argentina. And now many many years later I look forward to sharing the Mapuche culture and people with you as part of my “INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF LATIN AMERICA” blog series.
So let’s meet the Mapuche indigenous people of Argentina and Chile.
I love maps and getting a sense of where we are I believe is a good thing.
The Mapuche nation is situated in what is known as the Southern Cone of South America in the area now occupied by the the countries of Argentine and Chile. The Mapuche are a group of indigenous inhabitants of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina including parts of present-day Patagonia with a population of approximately 800,000. The literal meaning of Mapuche is “people of the earth.”
A LITTLE MAPUCHE HISTORY
Historically the Araucanian Indians lived in the southern, central, and northern areas of Chile and in present-day Argentina. They were divided into three main groups: the Picunche in the north, the Mapuche in the central area, and the Huilliche in the south. The Araucanians fought Inca invaders from Peru in the fifteenth century and Spanish conquerors in the seventeenth century.
The Mapuche and the Huilliche groups established a reputation as fierce warriors. Both groups bravely defended their lands and their way of life. They continued to resist the Spaniards for hundreds of years. The Mapuche finally lost their independence in the War of 1880–1882. After this defeat they were forced to settle further south on small reservations.
WHERE THE MAPUCHE LIVE
The main group of Araucanian that still remain in Chile today are the Mapuche numbering some 800,000 people. Initially they lived between the Itata and Toltén rivers. Today many live in the vicinity of towns such as Temuco, Villarica, Pucón, Valdivia, and Osorno as well as in the southern island region of Chiloe.
Approximately 400,000 Mapuche have had to migrate to the cities and now live the life of poor, urban workers. There are still a few Mapuche reservations in Argentina particularly on the shores of Lake Rucachoroi and Lake Quillen. However, most Mapuche Araucanian today continue to live in Chile.
THE MAPUCHE LANGUAGE
Mapuche from mapu meaning "land" and che meaning "people" which is pronounced as (ma-pu-CHAY with accent on last syllable) or Mapudungun (from mapu meaning "land" and dungun meaning "speak or speech") is an Araucanian language related to Huilliche and is spoken in south central Chile and west central Argentina by the Mapuche people.
The Mapuche language was formerly known as Araucanian a name given to the Mapuche by the Spaniards when they conquered the Mapuche territory. Mapuche avoid using the term Araucanian as they consider it offensive because of its Spanish roots. Mapudungun is not an official language of Chile or Argentina and has received virtually no government support throughout its history.
A LITTLE MAPUCHE HISTORY
Historically the Araucanian Indians lived in the southern, central, and northern areas of Chile and in present-day Argentina. They were divided into three main groups: the Picunche in the north, the Mapuche in the central area, and the Huilliche in the south. The Araucanians fought Inca invaders from Peru in the fifteenth century and Spanish conquerors in the seventeenth century.
The Mapuche and the Huilliche groups established a reputation as fierce warriors. Both groups bravely defended their lands and their way of life. They continued to resist the Spaniards for hundreds of years. The Mapuche finally lost their independence in the War of 1880–1882. After this defeat they were forced to settle further south on small reservations.
WHERE THE MAPUCHE LIVE
The main group of Araucanian that still remain in Chile today are the Mapuche numbering some 800,000 people. Initially they lived between the Itata and Toltén rivers. Today many live in the vicinity of towns such as Temuco, Villarica, Pucón, Valdivia, and Osorno as well as in the southern island region of Chiloe.
Approximately 400,000 Mapuche have had to migrate to the cities and now live the life of poor, urban workers. There are still a few Mapuche reservations in Argentina particularly on the shores of Lake Rucachoroi and Lake Quillen. However, most Mapuche Araucanian today continue to live in Chile.
THE MAPUCHE LANGUAGE
Mapuche from mapu meaning "land" and che meaning "people" which is pronounced as (ma-pu-CHAY with accent on last syllable) or Mapudungun (from mapu meaning "land" and dungun meaning "speak or speech") is an Araucanian language related to Huilliche and is spoken in south central Chile and west central Argentina by the Mapuche people.
The Mapuche language was formerly known as Araucanian a name given to the Mapuche by the Spaniards when they conquered the Mapuche territory. Mapuche avoid using the term Araucanian as they consider it offensive because of its Spanish roots. Mapudungun is not an official language of Chile or Argentina and has received virtually no government support throughout its history.
MAPUCHE MYTHOLOGY AND RELIGION
The mythology and religion of the indigenous Mapuche people of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina is an extensive and ancient belief system. A series of unique legends and myths are common to the various groups that make up the Mapuche people. The Mapuche believe in an ultimate balance between the forces of creation (Ngenechen) and destruction (Wakufu).
Reverence for nature and acknowledgment of the forces of good and evil are also part of their belief system. Traditional prayer meetings called machitunes invoke the help of the gods and goddesses for rain and good crops. Another type of meeting called a malon involves listening to dreams and prophecies. Roman Catholicism which was brought to the “New World” by the Spaniards has co-existed alongside the original religious beliefs of the Araucanian and in some cases the two have merged.
MAJOR MAPUCHE HOLIDAYS
Mapuche who live in cities celebrate the major Chilean national holidays together with the rest of the population including their Independence Day and the "discovery of America" by Columbus on October 12, 1492.
The Mapuche who live on reservations have maintained some of their traditional celebrations. One of the best-known festivals is the "guillatun" which is an ancient Mapuche religious ceremony. This rite works as a connection with the spiritual world to ask for well-being, to strengthen the union of the community, or to thank for benefits received.
MAPUCHE RITES OF PASSAGE
All major stages in the life cycle such as birth, puberty, marriage, and death are marked by special ceremonies. Important members of the tribe such as lonkos (the chieftains) play special roles. They are accompanied by music and also include elements of the Araucanian' oral tradition such as poetry and legends.
MAPUCHE RELATIONSHIPS
Greetings have well-defined levels of formality and informality. Strangers can only come into a traditional Mapuche environment upon receiving permission. Those who are accompanied by a Mapuche may be welcomed with elaborate feasting and great hospitality. However, those who come alone could just as easily be met with hostility and silence.
MAPUCHE LIVING CONDITIONS
Some Mapuche continue to live in a fairly traditional style, but many have migrated to towns where they share the lot of other poor urban workers living in shanty towns with poor housing and health conditions. In remote country areas traditional thatched roof huts provide shelter.
MAPUCHE FAMILY LIFE
The Mapuche people who still live on reservations have tried to maintain their traditional family structure which includes members of the extended family or a clan-like structure which includes a clan head or chief. Traditionally, each extended family was headed by a lonko, or chief, who had several wives and many children. The sense of family identity extended to grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives by marriage.
This type of social structure is gradually being undermined by efforts to Christianize the Mapuche and by government attempts to assimilate them into mainstream society. Because the male family members come into contact with white society through their work it is they who are influenced by mainstream culture. Women often take the most active role in maintaining the group's traditions.
MAPUCHE CLOTHING
Men in towns wear Western-style shirts and trousers. Women are sometimes dressed more traditionally with long skirts and colorful embroidered aprons. They may also wear head scarves which are sometimes decorated with gold or silver coins. Younger Mapuche girls often wear Western-style clothing such as sweaters and skirts and the boys wearing western-style shirts and pants.
MAPUCHE EDUCATION
The Mapuche who lost their lands and had to emigrate to the towns now try to offer their children opportunities to attend school. On the reservations many still try to educate their children about their traditional way of life.
MAPUCHE EATS
Traditional hunting and fishing as well as crops such as corn and various fruits ensure a varied and traditional diet for the Mapuche. The distinctive curanto oven (also known as a earth oven, ground oven, or cooking pit) can still be found in rural Mapuche communities. The earth oven is a pit in the ground used to trap heat and bake, smoke, or steam food for hours. Traditional feasting on special occasions can last for several days.
THE MAPUCHE FLAG
In March 1991 the Chilean Mapuche organization Aukiñ Wallmapu Ngulam, also known as Council of All Lands, decided to have a competition to make the flag of the Mapuche nation. About 500 designs were submitted of which one was selected for the Mapuche nation. The flag is called Wenufoye in the Mapudungun language which translates to "The Heaven's Winter's Bark."
The colors and forms of this Mapuche flag represents:
The mythology and religion of the indigenous Mapuche people of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina is an extensive and ancient belief system. A series of unique legends and myths are common to the various groups that make up the Mapuche people. The Mapuche believe in an ultimate balance between the forces of creation (Ngenechen) and destruction (Wakufu).
Reverence for nature and acknowledgment of the forces of good and evil are also part of their belief system. Traditional prayer meetings called machitunes invoke the help of the gods and goddesses for rain and good crops. Another type of meeting called a malon involves listening to dreams and prophecies. Roman Catholicism which was brought to the “New World” by the Spaniards has co-existed alongside the original religious beliefs of the Araucanian and in some cases the two have merged.
MAJOR MAPUCHE HOLIDAYS
Mapuche who live in cities celebrate the major Chilean national holidays together with the rest of the population including their Independence Day and the "discovery of America" by Columbus on October 12, 1492.
The Mapuche who live on reservations have maintained some of their traditional celebrations. One of the best-known festivals is the "guillatun" which is an ancient Mapuche religious ceremony. This rite works as a connection with the spiritual world to ask for well-being, to strengthen the union of the community, or to thank for benefits received.
MAPUCHE RITES OF PASSAGE
All major stages in the life cycle such as birth, puberty, marriage, and death are marked by special ceremonies. Important members of the tribe such as lonkos (the chieftains) play special roles. They are accompanied by music and also include elements of the Araucanian' oral tradition such as poetry and legends.
MAPUCHE RELATIONSHIPS
Greetings have well-defined levels of formality and informality. Strangers can only come into a traditional Mapuche environment upon receiving permission. Those who are accompanied by a Mapuche may be welcomed with elaborate feasting and great hospitality. However, those who come alone could just as easily be met with hostility and silence.
MAPUCHE LIVING CONDITIONS
MAPUCHE FAMILY LIFE
The Mapuche people who still live on reservations have tried to maintain their traditional family structure which includes members of the extended family or a clan-like structure which includes a clan head or chief. Traditionally, each extended family was headed by a lonko, or chief, who had several wives and many children. The sense of family identity extended to grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives by marriage.
This type of social structure is gradually being undermined by efforts to Christianize the Mapuche and by government attempts to assimilate them into mainstream society. Because the male family members come into contact with white society through their work it is they who are influenced by mainstream culture. Women often take the most active role in maintaining the group's traditions.
MAPUCHE CLOTHING
Men in towns wear Western-style shirts and trousers. Women are sometimes dressed more traditionally with long skirts and colorful embroidered aprons. They may also wear head scarves which are sometimes decorated with gold or silver coins. Younger Mapuche girls often wear Western-style clothing such as sweaters and skirts and the boys wearing western-style shirts and pants.
MAPUCHE EDUCATION
The Mapuche who lost their lands and had to emigrate to the towns now try to offer their children opportunities to attend school. On the reservations many still try to educate their children about their traditional way of life.
MAPUCHE EATS
THE MAPUCHE FLAG
The colors and forms of this Mapuche flag represents:
Yellow (chod or choz): renewal, symbol of the sun.
Blue (kallfü): life, order, wealth and the universe. In Mapudungun, is also an adjective that could be translated as "sacred" or "spiritual".
White (lüq): the cleansing, healing and longevity symbol of wisdom and prosperity.
Red (kelü): strength and power, symbol of history.
Green (karü): the earth or nature, wisdom, fertility and healing power, symbol of the machi (Mapuche shaman).
Cultrun (kultrung or kultrug), a "Mapuche drum": This is a percussion instrument for ceremonial and social use. It has a flat surface in which is represented the Earth's surface. There is drawn the circular design of the mapuche cosmovision: the Meli Witran Mapu (the four cardinal points), and also the sun, the moon, and the stars. This is a symbol of the knowledge of the world.
Red (kelü): strength and power, symbol of history.
Green (karü): the earth or nature, wisdom, fertility and healing power, symbol of the machi (Mapuche shaman).
Cultrun (kultrung or kultrug), a "Mapuche drum": This is a percussion instrument for ceremonial and social use. It has a flat surface in which is represented the Earth's surface. There is drawn the circular design of the mapuche cosmovision: the Meli Witran Mapu (the four cardinal points), and also the sun, the moon, and the stars. This is a symbol of the knowledge of the world.
Gemil (ngumin) Stepped cross or star similar to the Chakana or Inca Cross, or rhombus with twisting border which represents the art of handcrafting, science and knowledge, and the symbol of the writing system.
I find flags as interesting as maps and I find this Mapuche flag wonderful. My pledge is to to start paying more attention to flags in future blog postings.
I find flags as interesting as maps and I find this Mapuche flag wonderful. My pledge is to to start paying more attention to flags in future blog postings.
CLOSING VINTAGE PHOTOS OF THE MAPUCHE
I hope I have done justice to the Mapuche indigenous people of Argentina and Chile in this introductory blog posting. I have enjoyed learning more about the Mapuche in researching their culture and history and would very much like to revisit this interesting and beautiful area again. Until then, I couldn't resist the following photograph as my closing Mapuche image which I consider simply beautiful.
With my sincere thanks for joining me and until next time, I wish you safe travels and wonderful adventures wherever they may take you. Saludos, Laura
