How a mysterious tribe hid in the jungle for 2,000 years in 'Lost City' – but now drinks Coke, Budweiser and steals tourists' food
AN INDIGENOUS tribe hidden in the depths of Colombia lived off-grid and undiscovered for 2,000 years – until the introduction of tourism.
Now life has changed dramatically for the previously self-sufficient tribe living in the jungle near the so-called “Lost City” in the Sierra Nevada.
8
8
8
8
Wiwa elder Gabo Moscote said the introduction of tourism brought with it trekking camps selling goods to tourists – and a subsequent frenzy for Western products.
Young tribesmen have been spotted drinking cans of Coca-Cola, and empty cans have been found throughout the jungle.
And they are known to like western beer, such as Budweiser.
Gabo told The Sun: “They see the tourists doing it and so many people want to do the same. It doesn't look good, it actually makes us look really bad, and it doesn't help at all.”
read more about indigenous peoples
Before the introduction of guided tours, the Wiwa community lived off the land and dedicated their lives to a spiritual connection with nature.
The Wiwa called themselves “damanas,” protectors of Mother Nature, and rejected the ways of modern life.
Spiritual leaders maintained their connection with nature through meditation, song and rituals such as chewing coca leaves.
But according to Gabo, the tribe's traditions are changing.
Many tribe members have taken to listening to Western music and rejecting their traditional clothing, he said.
And there have even been cases of tribesmen trying to steal tourists' food.
Simon Willis, a tour guide, said the staggering changes are the result of the tribe being exposed to an influx of tourists from the West.
He told The Sun: “You will see some members of the community drinking beer, Coca Cola.
“I'm not sure how deeply rooted it is, but you could say they've become Westernized.”
I want the state and government to support the recovery and protection of the Sierra
Gabo Moscote
Guided tours of the Sierra Nevada jungle first began in 1982, six years after archaeologists discovered “Ciudad Perdida” – the Lost City.
The Lost City, a sacred ancient settlement covered in stone circles, was created by the Tayrona people in 800 AD – some 650 years before Machu Picchu in Peru.
The Wiwa, direct descendants of the Tayrona, believe that the Lost City was once the religious, political and manufacturing center of their ancestors.
For centuries they tried to shield it from the public, preferring to keep it as their own personal secret – until archaeologists discovered it and opened it to the public.
In the years since, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colombia.
Camps have been built along an excavated path that runs through the middle of the jungle.
And trekking huts are set up between the camps where tourists sell cigarettes, souvenirs, beer, water and traditional tribal clothing.
Simon said the government has tried to enact laws to protect indigenous communities, such as charging a fixed price for the tours and allowing only a handful of authorized groups to organize them.
As part of the set price, the government will make “contributions to the conservation of the trail, contributions to the local farming community and contributions to the local indigenous community”.
Gabo said some of the money will go toward paying medical bills for tribal members.
But the introduction of a monetary system has introduced a new set of problems for the tribe.
“As the community has become more exposed to the Western world, there has been a greater need to make money, especially now that some of them want to move into the city,” Simon said.
“They have certainly been influenced by capitalism.
“With capitalism and everything that exists in the Western world, just having an additional income stream gives you more choices.”
You will see some community members drinking beer, Coca Cola
Simon Willis
Yet both Simon and Gabo believe that the traditional values of the Wiwa people have remained unchanged.
“Their beliefs in the natural world, the sun, the mountains, the sea and all natural elements are the same,” Simon said.
“Their belief in male and female roles in the natural world remains the same. Their traditions remain the same.”
The Wiwa believe that the mountain on which the Lost City is located is for them “the heart of the world”.
To this day they continue to believe that when the balance of the mountain breaks, the whole world will break.
As a result, the region is closed every September so that the Wiwa can perform a spiritual ceremony to cleanse the energy brought to her by tourists – thus restoring natural balance.
Gabo hopes the tribe does not lose its traditional values and beliefs due to the exploding tourism industry – and wants protection for the Wiwa people.
“There are always beliefs, values and schools that can make you forget half of these ancestral traditions,” he said.
“I want the state and the government to support the recovery and protection of the Sierra.
“The most important thing for me is a cosmovision and a culture that wants and loves and works for the country and the world.”
He implored his community to “open their eyes” – saying much more could change if they don't.
8
8
8
8