The Arhuaco people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta have fended off invasions by Capuchin missionaries and illegal armed groups during Colombia’s long civil war. They prefer to focus on avoiding and repairing damage to Mother Earth.
The Arhuacos Way, along with three other indigenous communities in northern Colombia’s Sierra Nevada, Kogi, Huiwa and Cancuamo, were declared intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in November.
“Awareness is very important, but it will be much more important that Mother Earth, the space in which we live, is respected and protected,” said Arwaco leader Zalwawico Torres. That would include preventing mines and dams on their land, he said.
Arhuacos follows the Law of Origin as a guide to action and spiritual knowledge in how to live with Mother Nature. “Water needs its own path. Stone needs her own space. She respects me and I respect her,” said Torres.
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Arhuacos follows the Law of Origin as a guide to action and spiritual knowledge in how to live with Mother Nature. The photo is of the Arwaco brothers.
(AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
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They live in herds that dot the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which rise from the Caribbean coast, with snow-capped mountains, lagoons, and moors at their highest points. A traditional white tunic woven from sheep’s wool represents the snow, and a conical hat represents the snow peaks.
The Arhuacos pride themselves on being a peaceful people who do not use weapons and are forbidden to kill or steal.
In their view, plants, stones, animals, and the Sierra Nevada itself are living things.
“If Sierra is killed, we are dead,” Torres said.
