Guane people facts for kids
Guane doubled-chambered, ceramic, stirrup-spout vessel, 10th–16th century CE, exhibited at Chicamocha National Park
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| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
Santander, Boyacá,  Colombia |
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| Languages | |
| Chibcha, Colombian Spanish | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional religion, Roman Catholicism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Lache, U'wa, Muisca, Muzo, Yarigui |
The Guane were an ancient group of people who lived in South America. They mainly lived in what is now central Colombia, in the areas of Santander and northern Boyacá.
The Guane were excellent farmers. They grew crops like cotton and pineapple. They were also very skilled artisans, especially known for making beautiful cotton fabrics. Their homes were mostly found north of the Chicamocha River, near the amazing Chicamocha Canyon. The town of Guane, near Barichara, Santander, is thought to have been their main city.
Contents
What Does "Guane" Mean?
The word Guane comes from the Chibcha language, which the Guane people spoke. It can mean "tree," "the lower part of a leaf," or even "skirt."
Life and Culture of the Guane People
The Guane people were very resourceful. They made their own tools and weapons, including arrows and spears. They also traded with their neighbors, like the Chitarero people to the east and the Muisca people to the south. They exchanged plants for cooking and other goods.
Amazing Cotton Textiles
One of the most famous things about the Guane was their skill in making mantles (large pieces of cloth) from cotton. These mantles were very well-known in pre-Columbian Colombia, meaning before Christopher Columbus arrived. Some of these cotton fabrics have been found and are over 900 years old! The Guane also grew tobacco and made products from a plant called fique.
Unique Skull Shaping
Like the Maya and some other ancient groups around the world, the Guane had a unique cultural practice. They would gently shape the skulls of their babies and young children. This was done for cultural or religious reasons, not to harm them.
The Guane Today
By the late 1500s, after the Spanish arrived, there were fewer Guane people. However, they didn't completely disappear. Many Guane people mixed with the Spanish settlers. It's said that the Guane often had lighter skin and European-like features, which might have made this mixing easier.
Language and Beliefs
The Guane spoke a Chibchan language, similar to the Muisca, U'wa, and Lache people. They also shared some religious beliefs. For example, they worshipped Bochica, who was a messenger god in the Muisca religion.
Trade and Art
The Guane were active traders. They exchanged goods with nearby groups: the Lache to the east, the U'wa to the northeast, the Muzo to the south, and the Muisca to the southeast. They also created beautiful rock art. You can still find their ancient drawings and carvings around the Chicamocha Canyon and on the Mesa de los Santos in Santander.
Traditional Practices
The Guane people had a tradition of chewing coca leaves. They would combine the coca with special calcitic (calcium-rich) grains. They used a tool called a poporo for this practice, which was important in their culture.
Where the Guane Lived
The Guane people lived in central and southern Santander, especially around the stunning Chicamocha Canyon. Their territory also included a small part of Boyacá.
Here are some of the towns that were part of the Guane territory:
| Name | Department | Altitude (m) urban centre |
Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guane | Santander | 1336 |
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| Aratoca | Santander | 1800 |
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| Cabrera | Santander | 980 |
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| Coromoro | Santander | 1518 |
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| Curití | Santander | 1409 |
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| Encino | Santander | 1850 |
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| Guapotá | Santander | 1534 |
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| Güepsa (shared with Muisca and Yarigui) |
Santander | 1540 |
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| Jordán | Santander | 425 |
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| Mogotes | Santander | 1700 |
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| Ocamonte | Santander | 1398 |
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| Oiba | Santander | 1420 |
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| Palmar | Santander | 1200 |
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| Páramo | Santander | 1200 |
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| Pinchote | Santander | 1131 |
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| San Gil | Santander | 1117 |
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| San Joaquín | Santander | 1950 |
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| Los Santos | Santander | 1310 |
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| Suaita | Santander | 1700 |
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| Valle de San José | Santander | 1250 |
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| Villanueva | Santander | 1450 |
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| San José de Pare | Boyacá | 1545 |
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| Santana | Boyacá | 1550 |
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See also
In Spanish: Guanes para niños
