The Mapuche: The People of the Earth, Part 1 of 2

The Mapuche have resided in modern day Argentina and Chile for over 2500 years. They make up the largest group of indigenous people in Chile, accounting for approximately 10% of the population. Another 300,000 reside in Argentina. The rituals and cultural traditions of the Mapuche people are designed to enable them to live in harmony with the stars, the earth and all her inhabitants. They believe humans and all animals, from the largest to the smallest insect, can only exist through the grace of a higher spiritual power. Humans are also viewed as essential and integral parts of everything that surrounds them, in the skies and on the earth.