Weichafe

About

Weichafe is a name rooted in Mapuche cultural tradition. A weichafe is a Mapuche warrior, and among Mapuche communities in Lumaco and Traiguén, weichafes play an important role in nguillatun ceremonies. In these rituals, weichafes ritualistically represent the weichan, or combat of the winds, which takes place prior to harvest. The role of the weichafe is associated with the attributes of strength and austerity. Historical documentation of weichafes comes from 17th century Jesuit missionary Diego de Rosales, who described them as robust, agile and hardy individuals.