Mapuche equestrian culture and textile art
The horse transformed Mapuche society, increasing mobility incredibly and becoming the primary combat weapon and trade good. Horses were a major source of wealth and their meat was preferred by many. When an owner died, his horses were laid to rest with him. Mapuches displayed their status and wealth with silver saddle ornaments and unique multicoloured saddle blankets, called chañuntuku, woven by their spouses.
