Introduction / History

The Diaguita people developed between the 8th and 16th centuries in a territory that covered the northwest of Argentina and the Norte Chico region of Chile. In these areas, they built large settlements that, in some cases, reached 3,000 inhabitants.

Currently, there are descendants of the Diaguita in Argentina, although the number is difficult to determine due to the disparity of the sources. In Chile, on the other hand, some groups claim to be related to these people. The language they speak is Cacán, also known as Kaká, Chaka, or Calchaquí.

In 2006, the Chilean government officially recognized the existence and attributes of the Diaguita. Still, the Chilean government does not have a constitution that provides protection and state guarantees to indigenous people.

The social organization of the Diaguita was not as stratified as that of the Incas. Their society was structured around families gathered in clans related by a common ancestor. Some historians claim that polygamy was widespread among these people, especially among clan leaders. Their culture had a strong warrior component that prevented young men from marrying until they reached warrior status. A significant custom for the Diaguita was to wear their hair long, which they braided with pieces of copper and feathers. Their buildings designed for defense were called pucaras and were strongly fortified, and in case of attack, they had water and food reserves. Their dwellings were made of light materials of vegetable origin. They did not incorporate windows in the rooms and only left a narrow space to serve as a door.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their main activity is agriculture. They developed very elaborate techniques to obtain the maximum possible profit from the crops, which allowed them to trade the surplus. The Diaguita also worked with metals and achieved a high degree of perfection in pottery and weaving, generally using the hair of the llama and vicuña.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Diaguita worshipped the sun and the phenomena that took place in nature. They believed blindly in lightning and thunder, and were considered gods of the Andes, which in turn were connected to Mother Earth. Their sorcerers conducted the ceremonies and also cured illnesses. Regarding the funeral rites, these are not especially different from other Western and catholic manifestations, which may have an important traditional Hispanic component.

In the present day, Diaguita communities have adopted religious festivals promoted by the Chilean state, such as the Day of Indigenous Peoples, which coincides with the winter solstice when the indigenous New Year is celebrated in the Andean world with offerings to Mother Earth or Pachamama.

What Are Their Needs?

They demand equal rights and opportunities like any other Chilean citizen, as well as the protection of the ancestral natural territory and the return of lands.

Although they have had contact with Christianity, they have not had the opportunity to have someone preach the true God to them.

Prayer Items

Pray that the Diaguita will have an encounter with their Creator.
Pray that the indigenous Chileans will have rights as citizens.
Pray that Christians in Chile will feel the need to take the gospel to this indigenous group.
Pray that the Diaguita will not get lost in their traditions but will find true faith in the living God.

Scripture Prayers for the Diaguita in Chile.

References

https://www.lifeder.com/diaguitas/
https://arqueotimes.es/diaguitas-pueblos-del-norte-de-chile/
https://muchahistoria.com/diaguitas/
https://youtu.be/V3_KwYwrYAM?si=bg8GbacPfDJgT