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Calima [archive]

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Calima

Location: Colombia, region of Valle del Cauca.

History: The Calima culture refers to the people that inhabited the region of Valle del Cauca from the year 1600 B.C. to the sixth century. It encompasses different groups of people who lived in that region during different time periods, but due to the similarities in the archeological remains and the fact that these people inhabited the same areas, they have been classified as a single culture. Because several groups form what is the Calima culture, it is not uniform and continuous throughout its history. That is why experts have divided the Calima history into three different cultural periods that reflect more accurately the people that composed it during a specific time. These periods are known as Llama, Yotoco and Sonso. The Llama period extends from the year 1600 B.C. to 600 A.D. During this period the main characteristic that sets it apart is the creation of ceramics with images representing the daily life of the average people, the animals that lived with them and fictional creatures half human, half animal. The Yotoco period began around 1110 B.C. through 65 A.D. This period is recognizable thanks to many objects found in recent years. These objects share in common of the use of black, red, and orange colors. It is also common to find crocks with bird or frog shapes during this period as well. The last period, known as Sonso, began from 710 B.C. to 45 A.D. The main distinguishing feature of this period is the creation of vessels or crocks that possess three handles. It is believed to have a purpose in their rituals and ceremonies.

Daily Life: The main economy of this culture was based on the sculptures, ceramics, and other handmade objects. Researchers have found many Calima artifacts and objects scattered throughout a wide region that goes way beyond their homeland. Also, another feature supporting the importance of this culture in other areas surrounding their land is new evidence that supports the existence of trails going in every direction, which connected the Calima with many other cultures present at the time. The Calima harvested corn and other crops as well, complementing their diet with fish and oils. They were very skilled blacksmiths, who created astonishing metal pieces, many of which can be found in several museums. This culture was divided into cacicazgos, which are tribes ruled by a Cacique. But it is believed they did not have a central government or any judicial code. This culture practiced polygamy as well, which included a primary wife, and secondary wives. Women played a very important role in this society. They maintained a very active role in agricultural activities as well as warfare.

Best known features: The Calimas are best known for their amazing gold work, which is characterized by its big size as well as excessive decoration. Also, the Calima were very skilled artisans, who created very impressive ceramics and other objects that have fascinated people all around the globe. Many of their objects have been recovered and are now exposed in several museums. One of the best collections can be found in the gold museum in Bogota, where a lot of their creations are exhibited.

Sources

Cultura Precolombina Calima. Electronic document, http://expertconsulting.com.co/Colombia/Calima/Calima.html, accessed june 9, 2009.

Grupo Calima. Electronic document, http://www.galeon.com/culturasamerica/Calimas.htm, accessed June 9, 2009.

Calima. Electronic document, http://www.udistrital.edu.co/colombia/culturas/calima.php, accessed June 10, 2009.

Los Calima. Electronic document, http://www.colarte.com/recuentos/PRECOLOMBINO/PrecolombinoCalima/recuento.htm?nomartista=Calima+Precolombino&idartista;=5506, accessed June 9, 2009.

la Gente y el Oro en la Región Calima. Electronic document, http://www.banrep.gov.co/museo/esp/s_calima.htm, accessed June 10, 2009.

Additional Reading

History of Colombia

Calima [archive]

Calima

Sources

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