by Alejandro Del Castillo C

In early 2017 I had the privilege to share space and time with the Arhuac Indians of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

The call their home Nabusimake, the center of the world. It is isolated by their own choice and almost inaccessible by normal transport, making it a protected settlement for many families to protect their culture.

Ñancua, a Mamo or spiritual leader, shared his knowledge about water, the unity of mankind in the spirit of brotherhood to protect Mother Earth. While we talked, he added coca leaves and sea shells to his poporo to connect with higher spirits.

During my 10 day trip in the Sierra Nevada hiking along jungle roads I saw many Arhuac children and wondered what would their future be? Would they be absorbed by modern society or will they find a way to keep their traditional ways?