Huinca - Onal (blanco Ladrón)

Atahualpa Yupanqui's song 'Huinca - Onal (blanco Ladrón)' is a poignant and powerful lament that captures the anguish and suffering of the indigenous Araucanian people. The song is set against the backdrop of the Toltem River, where an indigenous woman washes her chamal (a traditional garment) and expresses her sorrow and anger through song. The lyrics are a direct address to the 'Huinca,' a term used by indigenous people to refer to non-indigenous settlers or invaders. The woman accuses the Huinca of stealing her colt, her home, her cow, and her calf, symbolizing the broader theft of land, resources, and way of life experienced by indigenous communities.

The song's repetitive plea for 'tregua' (truce) and the labeling of the Huinca as a 'pillo' (thief) underscore the deep sense of injustice and betrayal felt by the indigenous people. The woman's song is not one of joy but of profound sorrow and pain, reflecting the collective trauma of her community. The absence of traditional elements like 'nipoñe' (a type of plant), 'almulque' (a type of tree), 'ruca' (house), and 'alchaqual' (a type of land) in her lament highlights the cultural and environmental devastation wrought by colonization.

Atahualpa Yupanqui, a renowned Argentine folk musician, was known for his deep connection to the land and the indigenous people of South America. His music often served as a voice for the marginalized and oppressed, bringing their stories and struggles to a broader audience. 'Huinca - Onal (blanco Ladrón)' is a testament to his commitment to social justice and his ability to convey complex emotions and historical realities through his art. The song is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of colonization and the ongoing fight for indigenous rights and recognition.