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Mapuche Weaving Symbols

The meaning of the indigenous textile designs given below were obtained by Tim Podkul, a volunteer Anthropologist at the Chol - Chol Foundation. Tim carried out his research in August of 2002, exclusively with women from the communities where the Fundación Chol-Chol works. Taking this into account, they may not be completely representative of the Mapuche culture as a whole, and may be variations of designs found in other communities. We suggest that persons looking for a complete information on all textile designs, consult with other experts and museums.

ANÜMKA	This design depicts a plant that is often used for medicinal and decorative purposes.
ANÜMKA	This design is a more detailed vesion of the Añumka symbol which depicts a plant that is often used for medicinal and decorative purposes.
CRUZ	The Andean Cross is one of the symbols that is most common in all of the andean cultures and signifies the eternal prensence of such cultures. Usually the people wearing these ponchos are “lonkos”, or chiefs of indigenous communities.
CRUZ SIMÉTRICA	The cross with equal arms is a complez symbol. It represents the heavens, the rain, and life. This symbol is also a comsomological symbol representing the world.
DISEÑO DE INNOVACION	This popular design is very common to the weavers of the coastal zone of the region. It consists of only geometrical lines appearing often in Mapuche weavings.
DISEÑO NO IDENTIFICADO	This set of symbols depicts the image of a spiritual force which, depending on the position of their arms are determined as a positive spirit (called Pillan) when arms are upward and as a malignant spirit when arms are downward (called Anchirallen).
KÜLPUWE ÑIMIN	The complementary pattern in this weaving is that of hooks and hanging devices very common to the Mapuche culture. Its meaning is generally related to that of a snake.
KÜLPUWE ÑIMIN	This is another version of the previous figure of hooks.
LUKUTUWE	This symbol is one of the most famous in Mapuche culture. It is a depiction of the supreme religious being, as well as a symbol for the first person who consists of hands, feet, a head, and a heart in the center.
MAUÑIMIN	Designs seen in this configuration are normally representative of a chain or fence of some sort representing, in turn, the union of the communities.
MAUÑIMIN	Figure created out of smaller elements that together symbolizes the unity of the Mapuche communities.
NGE-NGE	This symbol depicts the eyes that, in Mapuche folklore, serve as the window to the soul of the physical body.
NGE-NGE	This symbol is another version of the previous image and it signifies a pair of eyes which, in Mapuche folklore, serve as the window to the soul of the person.
PICHIKEMENKÚE con ANÜMKA	The word pichikemenkúe refers to the figure of the small diamonds placed within the larger diamond. The diamond is generally meant to symbolize water pitchers or containers used for storing “mudai”, a typical ceremonial drink made of fermented wheat. The designs by the edges of the diamond are figures depicting plants.
PICHIKEMENKÜE con KÜLPUWE ÑIMIN	The diamond figures (Pichikemenküe in Mapuche language) symbolize containers used for storing and distributing ceremony drinks, like Muday. The designs bordering the diamonds are hooks called Külpuwe Ñimin.
PIWKE	This geometric figure depicts a heart and is an innovation of the weavers.
SIPUELA	In this weaving, the pattern shown signifies a spur worn by the Spanish Conquistadors. Although often today it is confused with the symbol for a star, it lacks the same characteristics of the star.
WANGÜLEN	This is a very simple version of a star, showing only the six principle points.
WANGÜLEN	Different version of the star design. This figure correspondes with the six principle points, but in this design, there are two points between the six cardinal points.
WANGÜLEN	This figure is representative of a star. With only six points, it is the most basic form of a star, however, the six principle points are apparent in the design.
WANGÜLEN	The star represented in this weaving consists of the six principle points, however there is much more elaboration and detail, consequentially corresponding more visibly with the world view of the Mapuche.
WENUMAPU	Although very similar to the chain image, this design symbolizes the cosmos and the universe. This symbol has also been used to signify the dimensions of the life after an individual’s time on earth.
WILLODMAWE ÑIMIN	This design is an elaboration of arms in a hugging gesture, suggesting care and love. Other interpretations say it could relate to the figure of a snake, very important animal in the Mapuche culture.
WIRIWEL	The design inside of the diamonds is a depiction of the cosmos. The lines outside of these diamonds create a very commonly seen border, usually outside of a more centralized theme.

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