Guecha warriors (Spanish:güechas orgueches) were warriors of theMuisca Confederation in theTenza Valley,Ubaque valley andAltiplano Cundiboyacense in thepre-Columbian era. The Guecha warrior was chosen for his merit in attitude and physique rather than by class. He was recognised by his unique status in society and his adornment with gold, feathers and inks.[1]
In theChibcha language spoken by theMuisca people, the wordGüechá has a number of possible meanings. The syllablegüe may mean "people", "I killed", "house" or "place". The syllablechá may mean "man" or "male". Hence,güechá may mean "man of the house", "man of the people", or "man who causes death".Güechá may also mean "the brother from another mother" or "uncle".[2]
The güechá warriors were an elite troop of Hamza soldiers. The warriors were chosen from the soldiers of thezipa (ruler of the southernMuisca Confederation). A noble lineage was not required for selection. Rather, exemplary service as a warrior may provide entry to the noble classes as acacicas. The Güechá had to be courageous. They had to be able to work around rigid societal rules and those of anabsolute monarchy.[3] The güechá position was not hereditary; selection was only on merit.[4]
The warriors were a privileged group, esteemed for their toughness, and bravery. Their endeavours earned them rewards such ascacicazgos (chiefdoms). Those who fell in battle received posthumous honors. For instance, certainbalsams were applied to their bodies and their bodies were carried on the shoulders of their fellow warriors. It was believed the presence of a dead warrior's body could infuse other warriors with life so they might fight again.
TheFranciscan friar Pedro Simón (1578 – 1620) described the warriors as "men of great physique, bodies, bold, loose, determined and vigilant".Lucas Fernández de Piedrahita (1624 – 1688) aCatholicprelate described the warriors as "brave and determined men, with big beautiful physiques, lightness and skill". Unlike the common men, the warriors wore their hair very short[5] and were allowed to wear gold beads and ornaments through edge-pierced ears, nose and lips.
The warriors carriedclubs,darts,spears, bows andarrows, andslings. They tookPanche andCalima slaves with them to war. The men went into combat with curled plumes ofparrot feathers, and wide ribbons of fine gold encrusted with emeralds. They wore bracelets and fine coral and gold beads. Inks andJagua tattoos were also used.
Guecha Warrior.
