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Wayuu People



The Wayuu is an Amerindian ethnic group in Colombia and Venezuela of the Guajira Peninsula, whose language is related to the Maipuran (Arawak) family of languages.

They inhabit the deep desert of La Guajira, near the Colombian and Venezuelan borders. The tribe is known as the people of the sun, sand, and wind. In 150 A.D. they arrived in La Guajira from the Amazon rainforest and Antilles as a result of the hostile environments and in search of a new home.

Its legislative system includes principles, procedures, and religious rites that govern its spiritual conduct and social conduct. Using the principles of reparation and compensation, the system is administered by the local moral authorities, the Pütchipü'üi or palabreros (orators). It has been recognized as an indigenous law system by Venezuela and Colombia, and pütchipü'ui is organized by the Major Autonomous Board of Palabreros.

The pütchipü'ü, plays an important role in the traditional justice system of the Wayuu people. It is the role of the pütchipü'ü to resolve conflicts by means of mediation and negotiation. Conflicts can arise among the Wayuu community members or among clans, or even with outside groups or communities. In cases of controversy, the authority of the Pütchipü'üi is sought by both parties in a dispute, both the offender and those who are offended. The Pütchipü'üi informs the authorities concerned of his desire to resolve the conflict peacefully after analyzing the situation. The Pütchipü'üi act with diplomacy, caution, and intelligence when the word - Pütchikalü - is accepted.

A material compensation payment will be made by the aggravating family to the aggrieved family group as part of this negotiation. The compensation is based on symbolic manners, including necklaces adorned with precious stones or the offering of cows, sheep, and goats as sacrifices. Compensations are given even when the most severe crimes have been committed, and are sometimes offered at special events where the disputing families can reunite and restore social harmony through reconciliation. Pütchipü'üi's position is conferred by virtue of their status as maternal uncles - an honorary position in the Wayuu system of matrilineal clans - and by virtue of their moral character.

Today, the tribe is seeking sustainability by using tourism to improve their living conditions by allowing visitors into their community to view their traditions, cultures, and colorful festivals. Bringing visitors to the tribes also gives individuals the chance to sell textiles and pottery, the famous Wayuu Mochila bags, hammocks, and blankets made by the tribe's women who are expert weavers and talented crafters.

References

(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/wayuu-normative-system-applied-by-the-ptchipi-palabrero-00435) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayuu_people) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%BCtchip%C3%BC%27%C3%BC) (https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/a-brief-history-of-colombias-wayuu-tribe/)


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