MUSEO HISTÓRICO Y ANTROPOLÓGICO VAN DE MAELE

Various rooms present the Germanic influence in the region, an example of what a rich colonial house was like in the 18th century, explanations of the life of Lord Cochrane and Fray Camilo Henriquez (who participated in the independence of the country). Beautiful archaeological exhibition on the first floor displaying a collection of silverware, ceramics, textiles and basketry corresponding to the Pitrén Complex (300 BC - 1200 AD) and the Valdivia style (1400-1800). Admire the delicacy of the Mapuche canvases as well as the trawuras, belts in magnificent colours. Silver was traditionally associated with the silvery light of dawn and the mysterious glow of the moon. Silver adorned not only women, but also warriors who liked to adorn their horses with it. Silver conferred magical powers associated with abundance and fertility. It was said in Araucania: "a silver ornament under the pillow gives your sleep wonderful dreams". The symbolic and magical power of these jewels also lies in their sonorous nature. Mapuche jewels (bracelets, earrings, necklaces or pectorals) produce an enchanting ringing sound when they clash. But the jewel is above all a strong symbol of social belonging, which, in a community where lineage crossings are highly complex, is not one of its least important aspects. The woman adorned in the most beautiful finery was the one whose father or husband possessed the most wealth or power.