The Arhuacos, or Iku as they call themselves, are one of Colombia’s oldest and most spiritually connected Indigenous peoples. They inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a unique mountain range that they share with three sibling nations: the Kogui, Wiwa, and Kankuamo. For the Arhuacos, the Sierra is not just their territory—it is the heart of the world.
Their history dates back to pre-Columbian times as direct descendants of the Tairona civilization. For centuries, they have preserved their traditions, cosmology, and spiritual knowledge, resisting colonization, armed conflict, mining interests, and systemic neglect.
Their worldview: balance and reverence for Mother Earth
The Arhuaco spiritual worldview is guided by the Law of Origin—a sacred principle that teaches that everything in nature has a purpose and energy: the mountains, rivers, wind, animals, even thoughts.
They see themselves as spiritual guardians of the Earth’s balance. Through sacred rituals called pagamentos, they make offerings to nature in ceremonial sites connected by the Black Line, a spiritual map stretching from snowy peaks to the Caribbean Sea.
The mamos (spiritual leaders) are trained from childhood in seclusion, learning to interpret nature’s messages and guide their communities with ancestral wisdom.
“The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth. Our duty is to protect it.”
Living culture: language, weaving, and resistance
The Arhuacos speak Iku, a Chibcha-based language, and pass down their stories and knowledge orally. Women hand-weave woolen bags (mochilas) that carry symbols from the spiritual world. Each design is intentional, serving as a sacred form of expression.
Their resilience extends beyond tradition—they now combine ancestral knowledge with modern tools to defend their territory, educate their children, and represent their voice at national and international levels.
A people who inspire
Despite centuries of adversity, the Arhuacos have preserved a culture of peace, depth, and environmental consciousness. They embody harmony with nature and offer a powerful message to humanity: it’s time to live in balance with the Earth.
