INTRODUCTION
In northern Colombia in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta live a native people, who, up until now, have staved off the conquest that began in the early 1500's. The coastal region below the snow-capped mountains has been inhabited for around 6000 years and evidence shows the Tayrona (people of the jaguar) and their descendants have occupied the Sierra Nevada and the surrounding Caribbean coast for over 2000 years. Densely populated coastal towns such as Neguange, Gayraca, and Buritaca supplied communities in the mountains with fish and salt from the sea, exchanging them for corn, beans, squash and other foods grown in the cooler temperatures of the higher altitudes.
By 1000 CE an extensive network of stone paths, some up to 15 feet wide, linked the numerous flourishing cities throughout the Sierra, cities such as Teyuna (Cuidad Perdida) which housed by some estimations, up to 8000 people. It is thought that this site was occupied as early as 800 CE. That would make it about 650 years older than Machu Picchu. The Tayrona were master engineers, building stone terraces, paths out of boulders, steps and bridges, all with excellent drainage incorporated to withstand the intense downpours of the rain forest. Ornamental pendants, necklaces, and nose- and earrings in gold filigree and lost wax sculptures attest to their sense of beauty and craftsmanship. Pottery used both functionally and ceremonially was also skillfully made. For the Kogi, like their ancestors the Tayrona, everything is spiritual, and the sacred impregnates the material world. Each act they do, they do with reverence and purpose. Their way of life is based on their belief in "Aluna" or "The Great Mother," the creator, the force behind nature. The Kogi recognize the Earth to be a living being, and call we humans its children. Since the arrival of Europeans, the Kogi have seen the destruction that comes along with the western mentality of plundering and defiling nature and are concerned about the sustainability of our home, Mother Earth. Fundación Escuela Sintana y Tierra Negra was established with consent of local Mamas to advocate for the preservation and defense of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and all who live there. The Indigenous inhabitants are descendants of the once thriving Tayrona culture. They have watched with concern the centuries of relentless destruction of nature since the European arrival. Interestingly, a group of non-indigenous individuals have lived among the Kogi for more than 50 years. The Hombres Talanqueras, or Gate Keepers, accepted by the Mamas, are believed to be descendants of the lost Uaί tribe who disappeared long ago. Now returned, they are fulfilling a prophecy by being the door between two civilizations. They form a bridge of communication between our modern life of over-consumption and exploitation, and an ancient world view of balance and sustainability. |