Once a great nation which spread across the Colombian Amazon into northern Peru, the Huitoto (‘wuh-toe-toe’) inhabit the grasslands and forests of departments Caquetá and Putumayo. Known for their blowguns, rattles and masks, the Huitoto today number some 7,000 and retain much of their artistic traditions such as painting their faces and bodies for rituals with natural colours from wild berries. The Huitoto’s connection to the earth is their sacred link to the universe and their god, Jitoma. While for centuries the Huitoto ruled over the eastern Los Llanos and were hunters and gatherers, the 19th century brought disease and conflict. Rubber plantations and Christian missionaries encroached upon their land and many Huitotos were forced into slavery.
