El Molle culture facts for kids

The El Molle culture was an ancient group of people who lived in South America, specifically in the Transverse Valleys of Norte Chico, Chile. They were known for their special ceramic pottery. This culture existed from about 300 to 700 CE.

After the El Molle people, the Las Ánimas culture developed in Chile between 800 and 1000 CE. Later, the Diaguita culture appeared. Spanish explorers met the Diaguita people in the 1500s.

Connections to Other Cultures

In 1954, a researcher named Grete Mostny suggested a link between the El Molle culture and the Mapuche people of south-central Chile. The Mapuche Pitrén ceramics (pottery) appeared a bit after El Molle pottery. However, they share many similar features.

Some archaeologists also believe the El Molle culture is connected to groups in the Argentine Northwest. This includes the Candelaria culture. These cultures might even be related to "tropical jungle" cultures further north.

Mysterious Lip Piercings

Scientists have found tembetás in Central Chile. These are special lower lip piercings often linked to native cultures in Brazil. Experts are still debating if these findings mean people migrated (moved) from Brazil. Or, if it means there was just contact and sharing of ideas with the Argentine Northwest.

See also

In Spanish: Complejo El Molle para niños