Inga in Colombia

Introduction / History

One theory about the origin of the Ingas is they were once guards for the Incan Empire. They lived on the edges of Incan cities to protect them from hostile tribes. After the Spanish conquest, they moved to the departments of Caquet and Nari o. Roman Catholic mission work affected them greatly.

The Ingas have a history of being migrants and living in cities. They began to settle in cities in large numbers during the 1930s when they were driven out of their homeland by a war with Peru.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Ingas are much more urban than most other indigenous peoples in Colombia. They earn their living by selling medicinal plants and handicrafts. They find popular trade areas to sell their wares. Thus, they are traditional doctors; they have knowledge of medicinal plants, especially yage. Those who live in urban centers sell marketable produce that they buy from Inga farmers.

They have nuclear families. Family space is centered around their heat source, the hearth. Their weddings include both Roman Catholic and traditional ceremonies.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Inga shamans process yage in various ways to come in contact with the spirit world. They blend shamanistic beliefs with Roman Catholicism. A small number are Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ingas need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ. As it stands, their faith is divided between the Lord of lords and traditional gods.

Prayer Points

Pray for many from the Inga people to put all their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for evangelists and disciplers to take the fragrance of Christ to Inga families.
Pray for the Lord to bless them in such a way they will understand there is none like Jesus.

Text Source:   Joshua Project