25권(2015) | [25권 4호]Hong, Sung Ryong , The Mapuche’s Geographical Environment, Cul…

The Mapuche generally inhabit the border areas south of Temuco in Chile and beyond the mountains in Argentina. Although the blood of the Mapuche flow in the veins of many people in Chile presently, they make up about 4 percent of the Chilean population officially. They live apart from the general population of Chile in their own communities. Most Chileans are very proud of the history of the Mapuche warriors who have fought bravely against Spanish invasion. The Mapuche and their notable history have been relatively unknown to the general public in modern society although they number close to 10% of the population in Chile. This study seeks to investigate the geographical environment, history, food, culture, art, migration route, and the spirit of the Mapuche to pioneer their lives anew through defiance against the challenge of the new civilization. Moreover, it seeks to depict the true value of the indigenous people who have preserved the long history, tradition, and culture of the ethnic minority being forgotten and how they have assimilated with the new culture.

Key words : tribal disputes, Eastern African tribes, Tanzania, Minor tribes culture