Gaitana
Cacica who led indigenous resistance in the Upper Magdalena Valley.
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Gaitana, also known as Guaitipan and La Gaitana, was a 16th-century cacica (leader) of an indigenous people in the region of Timaná, Huila. Two chronicles report that in 1539–40 she led the indigenous people of the Upper Magdalena River Valley in Colombia in armed resistance against Spanish colonization. Some scholars believe she may be a legendary figure.
Quick Facts
- Also known as
- Guaitipan and La Gaitana
- Region
- Timaná, Huila
- Period of resistance
- 1539–40
- Location of monument
- Neiva, capital of the Huila Department
Facts from the source article.
Spanish conquest
Pedro de Añasco, a conquistador sent by Sebastián de Belalcázar, entered the territory of modern Timaná to found a colony and create a trade route through the Magdalena Valley. The indigenous peoples vigorously opposed this invasion. De Añasco demanded vast tribute from all native leaders.
La Gaitana's son, possibly cacique of the Yalcón, could not gather the required amount, so De Añasco ordered him burned alive before his mother. Cacica Gaitana then sought vengeance. The execution caused outrage, and indigenous tribes joined forces. They attacked Añasco and his men by surprise, executing the men and removing Añasco's eyes before dragging him around the village until he died.
However, cacique Matambo warned the Spaniards, leading to the crushing of indigenous forces. The remaining natives were gradually decimated by slavery and smallpox and other European diseases. A few hundred thousand descendants are scattered throughout the Colombian southwest as the modern Paez, Guambiano, and Pijao peoples, among others.
Did You Know?
- At the time of conquest, the Yalcón had nearly 6,000 warriors.
- The Andaquí and Timaná lived south of the Magdalena River.
- The Pijao lived east of the Magdalena River.
More in Indigenous Rebellions Against the Spanish Empire
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Gaitana (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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