Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Cultures > Center > Llolleo

Culto y Funebria

Ceramic and stone pipes have frequently been found at sites formerly occupied by Llolleo groups, which indicates that they may have used hallucinogenic substances in their social rituals. In fact, archeological sites have been identified that could have been gathering places for large groups. Judging by the number of pipes found there, smoking likely played a central role in the activities held at these places. In regard to funerary practices, the Llolleo people buried their dead under the floors of their dwellings, in some cases making small cemeteries. Grave goods accompanying the bodies include body ornaments, perforated stones, grinding instruments and ceramic recipients, most of which were intentionally broken or damaged. Children were buried in ceramic urns similar to those made for cooking or holding water.