Ica, Arhuaco in Colombia

Introduction / History

The Arhuaco (AKA, Ica) speak a Chibcha related language. They only live in Colombia in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Martas. They had a much larger space to live before Spanish colonization. In 1916 they asked the Colombian government for teachers, but instead they received Catholic friars who forbade their children from learning about their own culture. The friars forced them to work for them. In 1943, more Arhuaco land was taken from them by the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1962, the government built a television communications tow on one of their sacred sites. In 1975, Colombian settlers began growing marijuana and forced Arhuacos to work on their plantations. They had to become part of the culture of drug dealers. Later marijuana planters were joined by those growing cocoa for cocaine production. This led to more violence and exploitation. The Colombian government began to fumigate the area to get rid of the illegal plantations. The Arhuacos were in the middle of a crossfire with no way to defend themselves.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Arhuacos sometimes visit sites that were sacred to them that are now off-limits. Some moved to higher locations where they could be left alone. In the highlands they grow potatoes, casavas, cabbage, lettuce, tomatillos, pumpkin, garlic and wheat. Those in medium lands grow cassava, beans, corn, cocoa, cotton, pineapple, papaya, guava, passion fruit and bananas. They also grow coffee to sell. Most also raise chickens and livestock. To marry, a young man must work on his future father-in-law s farm for a period.

Those in the lowlands sell hand-made goods. They usually wear modern clothes, but everyone wears a distinct backpack. Though some maintain traditional dress and lifestyle, others are more acculturated into living like the mestizos.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Arhuacos have their own unique philosophy and religion that involves a creator, a father known as Kaku Serankua. Nature and society are inter-related. They believe the well-being of the entire world rests on the well-being of their Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta homeland.

A boy can be trained to become a Mamo, a well-respected shaman. The Mamo has knowledge of medicine, philosophy and the priesthood. He knows how to interface with the spirit world.

What Are Their Needs?

They understand that God is a good father and that he gives them all they need. However, their worldview that puts themselves in the middle of the cosmos hinders them from understanding their rightful place as part of sinful humankind.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Arhuacos to be blessed by the True God of Heaven in every way.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to work through Arhuaco society, drawing them to the only savior.
Pray for Roman Catholic churches in their region to be dedicated to Jesus Christ, him crucified, and him as the one with victory over death and sin.

Text Source:   Joshua Project