Mapuche
Mapuche descendants now live across southern Chile and Argentina; some maintain their traditions and continue living from agriculture, but a growing majority have migrated to cities in search for better economic opportunities. In recent years, there has been an attempt by the Chilean government to redress some of the inequities of the past, by, for example, validating the Mapudungun language and culture by including them in the curriculum of elementary schools around
Temuco.
Representatives from Mapuche organisations joined the
Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO) seeking recognition and protection for their cultural and land rights.
According to Chilean statistics, most Chilean Mapuche possess some non-aboriginal ancestry, and more than 90% of Chile's non-aboriginal population possess Native American ancestry in varying degrees, although until recently very few Chileans would admit their Native American admixture. There were 604.349 Mapuches according to the census of 2002, making up approximately 4% of the Chilean population, while an estimated 300,000 live on the other side of the Andes in Argentina. Due to the loss of their lands, many Mapuche now live in impoverished conditions in large cities such as
Santiago.
See also: Demographics of Chile. Mapuche resistance continues, especially against the large forestry companies exploiting traditional lands, and Pinochet-era anti-terrorism laws have frequently been used in recent years against community leaders.
The Mapuche were very capable with stone tools, allowing them to create forts and complex defensive buildings. They were quick to adopt metal-working and horse-riding, using the European's own offensive strategies against them to devasting effect. More peaceful adoptions included wheat and sheep. Mapuche silver-work and weaving are highly prized.
The "
Machi" (Shaman), a role usually filled by older women, is an extremely important part of the Mapuche culture, even today and in parallel with Christianity. The machi performs ceremonies for the warding off of evil, for rain, for the cure of diseases, and has an extensive knowledge of Chilean medicinal herbs, gained during an arduous apprenticeship. Chileans of all origins and classes make use of the many traditional herbs known to the Mapuche.
Mapuche languages are spoken in Chile and to a smaller extent in Argentina. They have two branches:
Huilliche and
Mapudungun. Although not related to
Quechua, some lexical influence is discernible. It is estimated that only about 200,000 full-fluency speakers remain in Chile, and the language still receives only token support in the educational system.
# Ward Churchill,
A Little Matter of Genocide, 109.
*
Lautaro*
Caupolican*
Galvarino*
Colocolo*
Arauco War*
Araucaria*
Araucania and Patagonia*
AraucanÃa*
Mapuche International Link*
Mapuche International Link official website*
Mapuche-nation.org *
Rehue Foundation in Netherland*
Mapulink website
