The Mapuche people, indigenous to present-day Chile and Argentina, have a rich spiritual tradition that emphasizes balance between the natural and supernatural worlds. Their belief system is deeply rooted in animism, ancestor worship, and a dualistic cosmology, in which opposing forces maintain equilibrium in the universe.
Cosmology and Supreme Beings
Mapuche cosmology divides existence into two primary realms:
- Wenu Mapu – The upper world, home of benevolent spirits and deities.
- Nag Mapu – The earthly world, inhabited by humans, animals, and spirits.
- Minche Mapu – The underworld, associated with darkness, the dead, and malevolent entities.
At the core of their spiritual beliefs is the concept of duality, where good and evil, life and death, and order and chaos coexist in balance.
Ngenechén: The Supreme Deity
Ngenechén is the most revered deity in Mapuche belief, regarded as the creator and protector of the people. Ngenechén is sometimes depicted as a singular god and other times as a fourfold entity embodying different aspects of existence:
- Fucha (Old Man)
- Kushe (Old Woman)
- Wenumapu spirit (Heavenly Being)
- Nagmapu spirit (Earthly Being)
Ngenechén governs all aspects of life, ensuring harmony between the natural and supernatural realms.
Spiritual Beings and Deities
Pillan: Ancestral Spirits
The Pillan are powerful ancestral spirits of deceased leaders and warriors. They reside in Wenu Mapu and act as intermediaries between the living and the divine. Pillan are associated with natural forces such as storms, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
Wekufe: Malevolent Spirits
Opposing the Pillan, the Wekufe are malevolent spirits that bring disease, misfortune, and death. They are often linked to sorcery and the underworld, serving as agents of chaos and destruction.
Antü: Sun God
Antü is the god of the sun and the most important celestial entity. He symbolizes strength, wisdom, and leadership. The Mapuche view the sun as a life-giving force, and Antü is often invoked in prayers for protection and guidance.
Kuzeney and Elchey: The Moon and Earth
Kuzeney, the moon goddess, governs night and fertility, while Elchey represents the Earth and agriculture. Together, they embody the cycles of nature and the interconnectedness of life.
Coi Coi-Vilu and Tren Tren-Vilu: The Great Serpents
One of the most significant myths in Mapuche tradition involves two great serpents:
- Coi Coi-Vilu, the water serpent, represents chaos and destruction, causing floods and disasters.
- Tren Tren-Vilu, the earth serpent, protects humanity by raising the land to prevent it from being submerged by water.
Their eternal battle symbolizes the struggle between balance and destruction, reflecting the Mapuche worldview of cosmic duality.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Nguillatun: The Most Sacred Ceremony
The Nguillatun is a grand prayer ceremony held to honor the spirits, deities, and ancestors. It involves:
- Offerings of food and chicha (fermented drink)
- Sacred dances and music
- Ritual prayers led by the machi (shaman)
- Animal sacrifices to appease spirits and ask for blessings
This ceremony is crucial for maintaining harmony between the natural and spiritual worlds.
Role of the Machi (Shaman)
The machi is a highly respected spiritual leader, healer, and mediator between the human and supernatural realms. Their duties include:
- Conducting healing rituals using herbal medicine and chants
- Interpreting dreams and omens
- Performing exorcisms to drive away wekufe
- Leading major ceremonies, including Nguillatun
Death and the Afterlife
The Mapuche believe in an afterlife where spirits journey to Wenu Mapu. Funeral rituals involve:
- Placing offerings alongside the deceased for their journey
- Performing prayers and chants to ensure a peaceful passage
- Sometimes burying the dead with their belongings, reflecting a belief in continued existence beyond death
Mythological Heroes and Creatures
Leftraru (Lautaro)
Leftraru, also known as Lautaro, was a legendary Mapuche warrior who led the resistance against Spanish conquest in the 16th century. His tactical brilliance and unyielding spirit made him a revered figure in both history and mythology.
Anchimallén: Supernatural Guardians
The Anchimallén are small, glowing beings that serve as protectors or avengers. They can be summoned through magic to guard a household or attack enemies.
Invunche: The Twisted Guardian
In Mapuche folklore, an Invunche is a deformed, monstrous being used by sorcerers to guard their caves. It is said to be a kidnapped child twisted into a creature through dark magic.
The Mapuche spiritual system remains a vital part of their identity, shaping their worldview and cultural traditions.