Geography

 


The Páez people, also known as the Nasa, live mainly in the southwestern region of Colombia, especially in the department of Cauca, in the Central Andes mountain range. Their territory includes municipalities such as Toribío, Páez (Belalcázar), Jambaló, and Inzá. There are also Nasa communities in Huila, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, and Caquetá.

They live in an environment of high mountains, powerful rivers, and fertile valleys, where they cultivate the land and maintain a deep relationship with nature, which they see as a sacred living being.

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Architecture

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  Traditional Nasa houses are called malokas , or communal houses, built with bahareque (mud and sticks), bamboo, clay, and straw roofs . These structures are well adapted to the cold mountain weather and symbolize family unity. Homes are usually located near crops and water sources, with a central hearth that represents warmth and togetherness. Although many houses today use modern materials, traditional architecture is still common in rural areas.
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Social and political organization

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The Páez have a community-based organization led by an Indigenous Authority known as the Cabildo , which is democratically elected. The Cabildo is responsible for resolving conflicts, administering justice, and organizing collective work known as mingas . Nasa society is guided by mutual respect, cooperation, and autonomy , with a strong tradition of community participation. The Thê’ wala , or traditional healer and spiritual guide, also plays an essential role in maintaining social and spiritual balance.
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Traditional Clothing

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 Traditional clothing Traditional Páez clothing is simple but full of meaning. Men usually wear wool ponchos , dark pants , and wide-brimmed hats . Women wear long dark skirts , white blouses , and wool shawls , along with colorful necklaces and ribbons. During ceremonies, both men and women wear handmade garments dyed with natural colors. Their clothing not only protects them from the cold mountain climate but also represents cultural identity and belonging .
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