Weichafe

A weichafe is a Mapuche warrior.^[1] Among Mapuche communities in Lumaco and Traiguén weichafes play an important role in nguillatun by ritualistically representing the weichan or combat of the winds prior to harvest.^[1] The role of the weichafe is associated with the attributes of strength and austerity.^[1] 17th century Jesuit missionary Diego de Rosales described weichafes as robust, agile and hardy.^[1]