The Ruka

The Ruka - Mapuche Family in front of their Ruka
Mapuche Family in front of their Ruka

The “Ruka” was designed to protect the Mapuches from the strong winds and harsh winters of the Andes Mountains, in Southern Chile. There are very few existing Rukas still accessible.

 Some Mapuches do presently live in this type of dwelling, but are found only in remote areas where they still practice traditional Mapuche customs.

the Ruka Mapuche Culture - Mountain RukaQuelhue-RucaLiwen Ruka in construction
The ruka was the fundamental nucleus of the Mapuche family. It was made of straw and mud, oval in shape with a conical rectangular roof. In the center of the housing a fire was always burning.

 

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