The Toquicura: the jewel weapon of the Mapuche warriors

The Toquicura is a polished stone object used as a symbol of command by the toqui, the military leaders of the Mapuche people. This artifact represents an important testament to the social structure and ancestral traditions of the Mapuche, an indigenous people originating from Chile.

The Toquicura is typically made of polished stone, often shaped like a bird's head with prominent eyes, probably symbolizing a hawk. These objects were used as insignia of authority by the Toqui, the military leaders, during periods of war.

In Mapuche society, the Toquicura served as a symbol of authority and military power. During times of war, the toqui wore the Toquicura as a distinctive sign of their command role. According to Spanish chronicles, sending a bloody Toquicura to other chiefs was a signal to prepare for battle.

In addition to its function as a command insignia, the Toquicura also had spiritual significance. Stones, in Mapuche culture, are considered to possess extraordinary powers and are used in various rituals and spiritual practices.

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