Mokaná facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 24,825 (2005) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Colombia | |
| Languages | |
| Spanish, Mokaná (extinct) | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity |
The Mokaná (also spelled Mocaná) are an indigenous group of people. They live in the Atlántico Department of Colombia. They are the only native community in this area. The Mokaná language is no longer spoken today. It was part of the Malibu language family. Only about 500 words of the language have been saved.
History of the Mokaná People
The Mokaná first met Europeans in 1529. A Spanish explorer named Jerónimo de Melo led a trip from Santa Marta. He traveled to Malambo, a town by the Magdalena River. This town was named after the Mokaná leader, Pedro Malambo. Most Mokaná people became Christians in the 1500s.
In 1766, the Spanish government gave the Mokaná people a large piece of land. It was about 17,500 hectares. This was done through a special official order from the king.
During the time when countries in South America fought for their freedom from Spain, Mokaná people joined the fight. They were part of the Magdalena Campaign in 1812. They also helped in the fight for Cartagena de Indias in 1821.
On May 2, 1998, the Mokaná were officially recognized. The Government of Colombia said they were a distinct ethnic group. This meant their culture and rights were protected by law.
See also
In Spanish: Mokaná para niños
