Tonocotés: The Indigenous Heritage of Northern Argentina
The Tonocotés (also spelled Tonokotés) are an Aboriginal people native to the provinces of Santiago del Estero and Tucumán in Argentina. Historically inhabiting the south-central plains, they developed a sophisticated sedentary society shaped by the geography of the region and interactions with neighboring Andean cultures.
During the expansion of the Inca Empire around 1480, the Inca occupied northwestern Argentina, incorporating a portion of the Tonocoté population into their vast imperial network.
When Spanish colonizers arrived, they initially referred to the Tonocotés and other peoples of the Tucumán region as Juríes. This term was a deformation of the Quechua word xuri, meaning Rhea (a large flightless bird), because the natives wore loincloths made of Rhea feathers and moved in large groups resembling flocks. By 1574, the name Tonocoté appeared in official documents and eventually replaced the Spanish designation.
Key Facts
- Location: Primarily Santiago del Estero and Tucumán, Argentina.
- Historical Name: Referred to as Juríes by the Spanish.
- Economy: Sedentary agriculture, hunting, fishing, and gathering.
- Key Crops: Corn, quinoa, beans, and squash.
- Modern Descendants: Known as Suritas.
Lifestyle and Culture
The Tonocotés were characterized by a brasílido type physical profile, featuring median height and nose proportions with broad faces. Their society was heavily influenced by Andean cultures, leading to a sedentary lifestyle centered around organized villages.
Architecture and Settlement
To protect themselves from environmental factors and enemies, the Tonocotés built their houses on artificial mounds to create elevation. These round dwellings were constructed from thatch and materials with limited durability. For added security, their villages were enclosed by palisades.
Agriculture and Diet
The Tonocotés utilized the annual flooding of the Dulce and Salado rivers to irrigate their crops. Their primary agricultural products included corn, quinoa, beans, and squash. In addition to farming, they raised llamas and ostriches and gathered wild honey and fruits from the algarroba, chañar, and opuntia plants.
Artisanship and Craft
The culture is particularly noted for its advanced pottery, specifically the creation of pucos (small bowls) and large funeral urns decorated with elaborate motifs. They also mastered the use of the loom for weaving, created intricate feather ornaments, and practiced basketry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Geography | Bounded by Lules (North), Sanavirones (South), Diaguitas (West), and Salado River (East) |
| Housing | Round thatch houses on artificial mounds with palisade enclosures |
| Livestock | Llamas and ostriches |
| Art | Funeral urns, pucos, weaving, and basketry |
The Tonocotés Today
The modern descendants of the Tonocotés are known as Suritas. They are partially mestizos (people of combined European and Indigenous descent) who speak a unique dialect derived from the Quichua of Santiago del Estero.
According to the 2010 national census, Tonocoté villages had 4,853 inhabitants. Currently, there are approximately 6,000 residents distributed across 19 rural communities within the departments of San Martín, Figueroa, and Avellaneda in Santiago del Estero.
Active Communities by Department
- Alberdi Department: Aboriginal Community Mistolito.
- Avellaneda Department: Indigenous community Tonokoté Mailín Ñaupa, Breáyoj, Taqo Sombreana, Paso Grande, Pozo Mosoj, San Roque, and Tala Atun.
- San Martín Department: Aboriginal Community Linton and La Blanca.
- Figueroa Department: Aboriginal Community Canteros.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Tonocotés?
The Tonocotés are an indigenous people from the provinces of Santiago del Estero and Tucumán in Argentina, known for their sedentary agricultural lifestyle and distinct pottery.
Why were they called "Juríes"?
Spanish colonizers used the term Juríes, derived from the Quechua word for Rhea, because the Tonocotés wore loincloths made from the feathers of these birds.
What did the Tonocotés grow?
They used river flooding to irrigate crops of corn, quinoa, beans, and squash, while also gathering wild honey and fruits from local plants like the algarroba.
Who are the Suritas?
The Suritas are the modern descendants of the Tonocotés. They are partially mestizo and maintain a dialect derived from Santiago del Estero's Quichua.
Where can Tonocoté descendants be found today?
They are primarily located in 19 rural communities across the San Martín, Figueroa, and Avellaneda departments of Santiago del Estero.