Kogi people

The Kogi (pronounced /ˈkoʊɡi/ koh-gee) or Cogui or Kaggabba, translated "jaguar" in the Kogi language^[1] are a Native American ethnic group that lives in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. They are one of the few surviving Pre-Columbian civilizations of South America. The Kogi language belongs to the Chibcha family.

History

The Kogi claim to be descendants of the Tairona culture, which flourished before the time of the Spanish conquest. The Tairona were forced to move into the highlands when the Caribs invaded around 1000 AD, according to the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress which allowed them to evade the worst effects of the Spanish colonization. Like so many ancient myths concerning holy mountains at the "centre of the world", their mythology teaches that they are "Elder Brothers" of humanity, living in the "Heart of the World" (the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta). Those not living in the Heart of the World are called "Younger Brothers." Their mythology suggests that these Younger Brothers were sent away from the heart of the world long ago, seemingly in reference to these same Carib people who are said to have originated from South America.^[2]

Spiritual beliefs

The Kogi base their lifestyles on their belief in "The Great Mother," their creator figure, whom they believe is the force behind nature, providing guidance. The Kogi’s understand the Earth to be a living being, and see the colonizers' mining, building, pollution and other activities damaging the Great Mother.

From birth the Kogi’s attune their priests, called Mamas, to the mystic world called Aluna. It is in this "spirit-realm" that the Mamas operate to help the Great Mother sustain the Earth. Through deep meditation and symbolic offerings, the Mamas believe they support the balance of harmony and creativity in the world. It is also in this realm that the essence of agriculture is nurtured: seeds are blessed in Aluna before being planted, to ensure they grow successfully.

Modern Kogi

The Kogi people live largely in peace amongst themselves and their environment. They use slash-and-burn farming methods;^[3] each family tends farms at varying altitudes of the Sierra, producing different crops to satisfy the range of their needs,^[4] they also raise cattle on the highlands.^[5]

See also

• Arhuacos
• Juan Mayr
• Taironas
• Alan Ereira

References

1. ^ Fabre, Alain. Diccionario etnolingüístico y guía bibliográfica de los pueblos indígenas sudamericanos. 2005. p. 40. Web. Retrieved 9 Sept. 2011.
2. ^ Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress as part of the Country Studies/Area Handbook Series sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Army between 1986 and 1998.
3. ^ Ereira, Alan. The Elder Brothers. 1992.
4. ^ "Agriculture: Theory, Practise & the Mámas Role," from "Tairona Culture." Tairona Heritage Trust. 2008. Web. Retrieved 9 Sept. 2011. The article calls the Kogi "swidden farmers," which means "slash-and-burn."
5. ^ "The Arhuaco." Survival International. 1969-2011. Web. Retrieved 9 Sept. 2011.

External links

• National Geographic article on the Indians of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Sacred Land Film Project
• TEDtalks, Wade Davis on endangered cultures, the Kogis at 8 minutes 10 seconds