He Indigenous period in Venezuela and Colombia Took place between the appearance of the first human on the continent and the Spanish, Portuguese, English and Dutch colonization of the same. This period is also referred to as pre-Columbian or pre-Hispanic times.
It is estimated that Indigenous period in Venezuela And Colombia began about 25,000 years ago. Classically, the indigenous period in Venezuela and Colombia is divided into the following categories: paleo-indian, meso-indian, neo-indian and Indo-Hispanic.
Some data from the indigenous period in Colombia and Venezuela
One thing that many people ignore is that Before the arrival of the settlers And the original peoples had a culture, religions, trade, political division, calendar and even advanced systems of planting of tubers. Some indigenous peoples subsist and preserve the beliefs and way of life of their ancestors.
At the time of European contact in American lands, around 1492, the indigenous population of Venezuela was about 500,000. In Venezuela the main indigenous peoples were Pemones, Caribs, and Arawakos; While the Indigenous tribes that stood out in Colombia Were the Nariño, Yotoco and Calima.
In Colombia alone, indigenous peoples total 87 tribes and 17 are in danger of extinction. However, figures released by the indigenous organizations themselves show that there are 102 in all. Colombia currently accounts for 1,300,000 indigenous people.
Historiographical records reveal that the Chibchas who entered Venezuela came from Colombia and entered through the Venezuelan Andes. There is also evidence of groups inhabiting the shores of the Orinoco River and the Amazon, penetrating into the interior of Venezuela.
Economy
Barter was the basis of trade among the tribes, emphasizing the exchange of tubers for fruits, corn, turtle eggs, fish and cassava.
The indigenous peoples of Venezuela and Colombia did not think of wealth, but of satisfying needs, so that property was collective and wealth was sanctioned.
These civilizations made important advances in navigation, agriculture, fishing and trade through barter. Although their degree of development was not comparable to that of Classic cultures (Mayas, Olmecs, Aztecs or Incas) were determining in the territories that today comprise the borders of Colombia and Venezuela.
Social organization
Each indigenous culture was organized differently. However, most had a similar structure.
In most, the highest instance of authority and impartiality of justice was the"council of elders", which could be collective or elected a representative, which they called shaman, cacique or piache.
It should be noted that Indigenous women had no relevance in decision-making structures and Venezuelan and Colombian tribes did not have a degree of instruction for children. The education was based on the observation of the adult and the practice of the work of either men or women.
Beliefs
In general, the tribes that lived in Colombia and Venezuela were polytheists. They worshiped sun, earth, water, nature and even successful crops.
They created sacred places of worship and offerings for their gods. Some even offered their gods human or animal blood in return for strength and energy for wars for territorial control.
In Venezuelan"skuke"mythology, a religious and magical song performed by Cuico peoples called the"warrior song", in which their gods Chia, Ches and Ikake were implored to send spears, snakes and curses to expel the target invasive.
Indigenous cultures in Venezuela and Colombia
Although there are many more, stand out:
Chibchas
It was a tribe that some people think came from Central America and its main settlement was in Colombia, mainly in the Andean zone between Bogota and Boyacá. It is narrated that they were excellent fishermen and farmers.
The language of the Chibchas was the Chibchan, which was shared by the large linguistic family in Central and South America. They excelled at mastering goldsmithing and fishing.
Arawakos
It was a group of indigenous families that inhabited Venezuela and other parts of South America. It is believed to be the most widespread tribe.
They developed important cropping systems based on natural water channels and techniques for planting on steep slopes. They are known for their ecological systems and compact populations. Their leaders were appointed by hereditary order and developed a system of slavery.
Calima
Calima culture constituted an important settlement in the areas of Dagua, Calima and San Juan in Valle de Cuca, Colombia. As a product of archaeological works, pieces of ceramics and goldsmiths have been obtained that this tribe created thousands of years ago.
Although the Calima people became extinct in the process of colonization, it left an important artistic arsenal that remains today as invaluable pieces of the pre-Columbian period.
Caribbean
They occupied the mountainous regions of northern Venezuela that comprise from the Gulf of Venezuela to Paria. This region is coastal mountain and its front was the Caribbean Sea.
It is said that it was the last indigenous group to settle in Venezuela. However, they stood out for their fame as warriors and their extensive knowledge in navigation. They had presence in Colombia and were among the first groups to meet the Spaniards.
I touch
It is one of the oldest tribes of the indigenous period and was mainly located in the valleys of calima and dorado. Some historians locate them as the evolution of the culture"llama".
The Yotoco peoples inhabited several areas of Colombian territory and stood out for using advanced irrigation techniques and creating works of art made with clay. This indigenous tribe is now extinct.
Pemon
They were located to the southeast of Venezuela, where Bolivar state is today, between the border of Guyana and Brazil. Historians and anthropologists think that the Pemones reached the population of thirty thousand inhabitants.
The Pemones Indians are famous in Venezuela for their canoes and rowing system, as well as for their excessive suspicion to those who threaten their customs or territory. Currently living in the state of Bolivar their food is mainly based on cassava.
References
- Bascom, H; Bernal, I; Rouse, G. (1953) Andean Altiplano; Indigenous period: Editorial Andrés Bello. Santiago.
- Collaborators Wikipedia (2017) Colombia pre-Columbian. Retrieved from: wikipedia.org.
- Sarmiento, J (2008) Indigenous self-determination in Colombia. Editorial Universidad del Norte. Colombia.
- Gregor, C. (2000) Indigenous peoples and constitutional rights in Latin America. Editorial Abya-Yala. Quito, Ecuador.
- Morón, G; Wright, L (1986) General History of America: Colonial Period. Anglo-America II. National Academy of History. (Venezuela).
- Jimnenez, C. (2014) The Latin American city: from the indigenous period until today. Editorial Vicens Vives. Lima Peru.
- Newson, L. (2000) The Cost of Conquest. Editorial Guaymuras. Honduras.