Prehispanic history of Chile

The precolonial history of Chile refers to the period from the first human populations in the territory of Chile until the first European exploration of the region, by Spaniard Diego de Almagro in 1535–36.

There are numerous theories on the

settlement of the Americas; the most accepted currently, that of Paul Rivet, states that there were numerous arrivals for different reasons: those leaving Asia via the Bering Straits, but also those traveling from island to island in Polynesia and Melanesia, via Central America. ^{[citation needed}

] The first people to arrive in the territory of Chile would have been in one of these population movements.

The prehistoric site of Monte Verde in Chile, presently under consideration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO,^[1] has provided the oldest dates of habitations in Chile at around 13,000 to 15,000 years for "Monte Verde II."^[2] Dates of 33,000 to 35,000 years have been suggested for the "Monte Verde I" site but the evidence is considered too meagre to verify that.^[2]

Various research suggests the first populations arrived to the country around 35,000 BC, during the

Easter Islands a Polynesian

culture developed, which continues today.

On the Pacific coast, different cultures and peoples coexisted: the

Alakaluf in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The Mapuche formed a numerous community. ^{[citation needed}

]

The Chinchorro

The

Atacama Desert from Ilo, southern Peru, to Antofagasta in northern Chile. Outcrops of fresh water on the coast facilitated human settlement in this region. The Chinchorro are famous for their detailed mummification practice (Chinchorro mummies

). The culture lasted for several thousand years, evolving and adapting over the period.

The Chinchorro were expert fishermen. They developed an extensive and sophisticated fishing tool assemblage. They had efficient fishing gear, such as fishing hooks made of shells and cacti, and stone weights for nets made of mesh fabrics. They became skilled weavers of baskets and mats.[3]

The Chinchorro type site is located in Arica, Chile; it was discovered by Max Uhle in the early 20th century.^[4]

Their mummies which were much more ancient than those of the ancient Egyptians. Some of their DNA was recovered.