A pütchipü'ü, or pütche'ejachi (in
Wayuu, "messenger of the word"; es, palabrero), is the central element in the traditional administration justice system of the
Wayuu people. The role of a pütchipü'ü is to solve conflicts through mediation and negotiation. This can include conflicts between different members or clans of the Wayuu community or with people or organizations outside the Wayuu people. This negotiation includes material compensation to be paid by the aggravating family to the aggrieved family group.
In 2010, this mediation system was recognized by
UNESCO as part of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This indigenous law system has been recognized by governments of
Venezuela and
Colombia
Colombia (, ; ), officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country in South America with insular regions in North America—near Nicaragua's Caribbean coast—as well as in the Pacific Ocean. The Colombian mainland is bordered by the Car ...
. The ''pütchipü'ui'' are organized by the Major Autonomous Board of Palabreros.
ACNUR Colombia apoya proceso de Junta Mayor de Palabreros Wayúu en La Guajira
UNHCR
See also
* Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
The Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity was made by the Director-General of UNESCO starting in 2001 to raise awareness of intangible cultural heritage and encourage local communities to protect them and t ...
* UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Putchipu'u
Wayuu
Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
Traditional knowledge