Timoto–Cuica people facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Extinct | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
Venezuelan Andes: Venezuela (Mérida, Trujillo, Táchira) |
Extinct |
| Languages | |
| Timote-Cuica | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Muisca | |
The Timoto-Cuica people were an ancient group of indigenous people. They lived in the Andes mountains of western Venezuela. This group was mainly made up of two big tribes: the Timote and the Cuica.
They were related to the Muisca people who lived in the Colombian Andes. The Muisca spoke a language called Muysccubun, which was part of the Chibcha language family. Besides the Timote and Cuica, there were smaller tribes too. These included the Mucuchíes, Miguríes, Tabayes, and Mucuñuques.
Contents
Life and Culture of the Timoto-Cuica
Before Christopher Columbus arrived, about one million indigenous people lived in Venezuela. The Andean region was the most crowded area. The Timote and Cuica tribes lived in what are now the states of Mérida, Trujillo, and Táchira.
Most experts believe the Timoto-Cuica developed as one main group. The Timotes and Cuicas were the most important parts of this group. They had advanced technology for their time. Their civilization was much more developed than the nomadic tribes living further east.
The Timotes mostly lived in the mountainous Andean region, in today's Mérida state. The Cuica subgroup lived a bit more to the north, in the flat plains.
Farming and Daily Life
The Timoto-Cuica culture was mostly focused on farming, simple industries, and trade. They were very good at farming on terraces. They built irrigated platforms on the hillsides of their region. This system is often seen in other Andean civilizations.
Their society was well-organized with permanent villages. These villages were surrounded by fields that were irrigated and terraced. They also stored water in special tanks. Their homes were built mostly from stone and wood, with roofs made of thatch.
The Timoto-Cuica people were generally peaceful. They relied on growing crops for their food. Important crops they grew included potatoes and ullucos.
They created large 'steps' on the hillsides. They made these steps strong with stones. Then, they watered them using a system of channels. This clever farming method helped the Timoto-Cuica grow lots of vegetables. Early records mention they grew potatoes, corn, and beans. They also grew sweet yucca, cassava, mecuy, quiba, guaba, and agave.
Art and Craftsmanship
The Timoto-Cuica left behind many works of art. They made special ceramic pieces that looked like people. However, they did not build any large monuments.
They also spun plant fibers to make textiles. They wove these fibers into cloths and mats. These were used for their homes and other needs.
Gallery
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Plaque and ceramics of the Nikitao and Cuica tribes
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Room of the natives of Apartaderos
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Mucuchí people, who were part of the Timoto tribe
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Mucuchí women
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Mucuchí people from Misteke, Venezuela
See also
In Spanish: Timoto-cuicas para niños
