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Suggest pagesKogi people
| Total population |
|---|
| 4,000 (1988)[1] |
| Regions with significant populations |
 Colombia(Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta) |
| Languages |
| Religion |
|
traditional tribal religion |
| Related ethnic groups |
The Kogi (
/ˈkoʊɡi/ koh-gee) or Cogui or Kágaba, translated "jaguar" in the Kogi language[2] are a Native American ethnic group that lives in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. Their civilization has continued since the Pre-Columbian era.
Contents |
[edit] Language
The Kogi language belongs to the Chibchan family.[1]
[edit] 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 CE, 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.[3]
[edit] 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 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 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.
[edit] Contemporary Kogi
The Kogi people live largely in peace amongst themselves and their environment. They use slash-and-burn farming methods;[4] each family tends farms at varying altitudes of the Sierra, producing different crops to satisfy the range of their needs,[5] they also raise cattle on the highlands.[6]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c "Kogi: Orientation." Countries and Their Cultures. (retrieved 2 Dec 2011)
- ^ Fabre, Alain. Diccionario etnolingüístico y guía bibliográfica de los pueblos indígenas sudamericanos. 2005. p. 40. Web. Retrieved 9 Sept. 2011.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Ereira, Alan. The Elder Brothers. 1992.
- ^ "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."
- ^ "The Arhuaco." Survival International. 1969-2011. Web. Retrieved 9 Sept. 2011.
