Kogui Village on the west face of Sierra Nevada
Nestled on the western slopes of Colombia's Sierra Nevada, Kogui Village offers a glimpse into the ancient traditions of the indigenous Kogui people, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Essentials
Accommodation
Hammock in a Hut
Night in a hut
Culture
Indigenous Heritage and Spiritual Connection
The Kogui people, descendants of the ancient Tairona civilization, inhabit the remote western slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Their culture is deeply rooted in a spiritual worldview where the mountains are considered the “Heart of the World,” a sacred space that sustains the balance of the universe. The Kogui see themselves as “Elder Brothers”, tasked with preserving natural harmony, in contrast to the “Younger Brothers” (modern society), whom they believe disrupt this balance.
Social Structure and Governance
Kogui society is organized around mamos (spiritual leaders) who guide communal decisions through rituals and ancestral knowledge. Villages are typically small, with circular huts made of wood and palm leaves, reflecting their connection to nature. Authority is decentralized, with mamos advising on matters like agriculture, conflict resolution, and ecological stewardship.
Sustainable Subsistence Practices
- Agriculture: They practice slash-and-burn farming, cultivating staples like corn, beans, and yuca, while adhering to strict cycles to prevent soil depletion.
- Craftsmanship: Handwoven mochilas (bags) symbolize their artistry, often made from fique fiber and dyed with natural pigments.
- Trade: Limited interaction with nearby communities involves bartering surplus crops for tools or salt, maintaining self-sufficiency.
Rituals and Cosmology
Ceremonies like the Pagamento (payment to the earth) involve offerings of coca leaves, shells, or gold to restore spiritual equilibrium. Coca is sacred, used for meditation and divination by mamos. The Kogui calendar aligns with celestial events, dictating planting seasons and rituals.
Challenges and Cultural Preservation
Encroachment by deforestation, tourism, and armed conflict threatens their isolation. Despite this, the Kogui resist assimilation, enforcing strict visitor protocols to protect their traditions. Their survival hinges on maintaining territorial autonomy and ancestral practices.
