![]() Topography of Santander Department The Lache lived in highlands of the eastern part, continuing into Boyacá | |
Total population | |
---|---|
0 (2004) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Santander, Boyacá, ![]() | |
Languages | |
Chibcha | |
Religion | |
Traditional | |
Related ethnic groups | |
U'wa, Muisca, Guane |
The Lache were an indigenous, agrarian people in the highlands of what is now central Colombia's northern Boyacá and Santander departments, primarily in Gutiérrez Province and García Rovira Province.[1][2] They were part of the Cocuy Confederation[3] and spoke Chibcha, trading predominantly with other Chibcha speakers, such as the Muisca, Guane, Pijao and Chitarero.[4] Trade included salt and textiles, as well as food stuffs.[4][5] The Lache farmed maize, potatoes, quinoa and cotton, among other crops.[6]
In the 17th century, Lucas Fernández de Piedrahita wrote of the habit of the Laches in bringing up younger male children as culturally female.[7][8]
The name Lache is preserved in a barrio of Bogotá known as Los Laches.
The Lache inhabited the highlands of eastern Santander and northern Boyacá and a small part of northwesternmost Casanare.[1][9][10]
Name | Department | Altitude (m) urban centre |
Map |
---|---|---|---|
Capitanejo | Santander | 1090 | ![]() |
Carcasí | Santander | 2080 | ![]() |
Cepitá | Santander | 3000 | ![]() |
Cerrito | Santander | 2220-4200 | ![]() |
Concepción | Santander | 2005 | ![]() |
Enciso | Santander | 1484 | ![]() |
Guaca | Santander | 2401 | ![]() |
Macaravita | Santander | 2320 | ![]() |
Málaga | Santander | 2235 | ![]() |
Molagavita | Santander | 2196 | ![]() |
San Andrés | Santander | 1617 | ![]() |
San José de Miranda | Santander | 2381 | ![]() |
San Miguel | Santander | 2200 | ![]() |
Chiscas | Boyacá | 2368 | ![]() |
Chita | Boyacá | 2964 | ![]() |
El Cocuy | Boyacá | 2750 | ![]() |
El Espino | Boyacá | 2128 | ![]() |
Guacamayas | Boyacá | 2296 | ![]() |
Jericó (shared with Muisca) |
Boyacá | 3100 | ![]() |
Panqueba | Boyacá | 2258 | ![]() |
La Salina | Casanare | 1400 | ![]() |
San Mateo | Boyacá | 2500 | ![]() |
La Uvita | Boyacá | 2700 | ![]() |