mapuches_chile_006
Maria Antahuilia Nahuelpi lives in a small hut in the countryside of what is known as the "resisitence" area of Mapuche territory. She is a well known Machi, a powerful healer / Shaman but also the most respected religious figure in Mapuche culture. Often a Machi is chosen whilst being a child depending on her or his character, often described by outsiders as the "Creator God". Most often Machis are women. south-central Chile.