Nencatacoa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nencatacoa |
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|---|---|
| art(ist)s, dance and festivities | |
| Member of Muisca religion | |
Houses (bohíos) Nencatacoa helped being built for the Muisca
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| Animals | Fox or bear |
| Region | Altiplano Cundiboyacense Colombia |
| Ethnic group | Muisca |
| Greek equivalent | Pan, Dionysus, Apollo |
| Roman equivalent | Bacchus |
| Etruscan equivalent | Fufluns |
| Christian equivalent | none |
Nencatacoa (also called Nem-catacoa) was an important god for the Muisca people. The Muisca were a clever civilization in ancient Colombia. They were known for their amazing gold artwork. Nencatacoa was seen as the protector of artists, especially those who made beautiful cloaks. He was also the god of fun events and celebrations. The Muisca were as advanced as the Aztecs, Mayas, and Incas. However, unlike these groups, the Muisca did not build huge stone buildings.
Who Was Nencatacoa?
People imagined Nencatacoa as a forest animal. He was often shown as a fox or a bear. These images were sometimes made of gold and covered with a special cloak. A historian named Pedro Simón noted that this animal shape appeared many times.
Nencatacoa also protected weavers. Weaving was a very important skill for the Muisca. They used materials like cotton and fique (a plant fiber) to make clothes and other items.
Nencatacoa and Celebrations
Nencatacoa was also the god of parties, dancing, and celebrations. When the Muisca people built their houses, he helped them lift the heavy wooden poles.
The Muisca loved to celebrate. They would drink a lot of chicha (a traditional drink) to mark special events. These included finishing new temples, houses, or roads. They also celebrated when a new cacique (leader) arrived. During planting and harvesting times, they had big parties. These parties included dancing, singing, and music played with drums and flutes. They honored their gods, especially Nencatacoa, at these times.
Nencatacoa was similar to the Greek god Dionysus and the Roman god Bacchus. These gods were also linked to celebrations and good times. Chronicler Pedro Simón wrote that when the Muisca were dancing around a fire and the wind blew, they believed Nencatacoa was joining their party.
