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- The Arhuacos live primarily in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which is considered one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world.
This area is both geographically and culturally significant for the Arhuacos, as they consider it to be the center of the world and the seat of their spiritual and cultural practices.
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- The Sierra Nevada is home to a unique ecosystem, with distinct regions ranging from tropical rainforests to high-altitude páramos (alpine ecosystems). It is a region of great ecological diversity, and the Arhuacos rely on this environment for their way of life.
ORIGIN OF MAMOBAGS
Culture and Spirituality:
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- The Arhuacos, like the other groups of the Sierra Nevada, follow a deeply spiritual worldview. They believe in an interconnectedness between nature, the cosmos, and human beings. Their religion is animistic, with the Earth, mountains, rivers, and animals all being sacred.
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- Central to Arhuaco belief is the concept of "The Great Mother" and "The Great Father", powerful deities that represent the Earth and the sky. The Arhuacos maintain a spiritual harmony with these deities and believe that they have a responsibility to maintain balance in the world.
- They have a strong tradition of oral history and storytelling, which is integral to their cultural identity. The elders (known as Mamos) are highly respected spiritual leaders and are responsible for maintaining the wisdom of the ancestors and guiding the community in both spiritual and practical matters.
- The Arhuacos are organized into small communities, each of which is led by a Mamo (spiritual leader). The Mamos are trained from a young age in their sacred traditions, learning about the mountains, the cosmos, and the ancient knowledge passed down through generations.
- The Arhuacos also have a strong sense of communal life. Family structures are often extended, and the people work together to maintain their agricultural terraces and grow crops like corn, potatoes, yuca, and coffee, as well as raise livestock. The Arhuacos are skilled in sustainable agricultural practices that respect and nurture the environment.