Mapuche

Mapuche Indians

The Mapuche were one of the most powerful indegenous tribes of Chile. The origin of the Mapuche is not clear. The Mapuche were always a warring tribe.They successfully thwarted the Incas in their attempt to colonize all of Chile. "The result of the bloody three day confrontation known as the [|Battle of the Maule] was that the Inca conquest of the territories of Chile ended at the [|Maule river]. Here they were forced to establish a fortified border" (Mapuche). The Mapuche also fought the Spaniards for over 300 years. Though the 300 years were not always hostile this war-ridden time became known as the War of Arauco. In present day, descendants of the Mapuche live across Chile and parts of Argentina. Though some maintain their old ways of agriculture, many have moved on to find economic success. The Mapuche is a proud tribe, full of rich culture and history. Their legend will not die.