What is toqui?

Toqui is a Mapudungun word which means "leader" or "war chief". It was used to refer to the military leaders of the Mapuche people, who inhabited parts of Chile and Argentina for centuries before European colonialism began.

The toquis were chosen by consensus among the Mapuche people, and their role was to lead the military campaigns against the Spanish and other indigenous groups with whom they were in conflict. They were respected members of their communities and were expected to be brave, intelligent, and skilled in warfare.

Some of the most famous toquis include Lautaro, who led successful uprisings against the Spanish in the mid-16th century, and Caupolicán, who is remembered for his bravery and determination in the face of Spanish military power.

Today, the term toqui is still used in Chile and Argentina to refer to influential leaders, and it has become an important symbol of Mapuche resistance and cultural identity.