Here the artist is, as it were, an archaeologist, uncovering deeper and deeper strata as he works, recovering not an ancient civilization, but something as yet unborn, unseen, unheard, except by the inner eye, the inner ear. He is not just removing apparent surfaces from some external object, he is removing apparent surface from the Self, revealing his original nature. – Stephen Nachamovitch
Nicaragua’s pre-Columbian history is rich with diverse cultures that inhabited the region long before the Spanish arrival in the 16th century. These indigenous peoples left behind evidence of complex societies, ranging from the Rama and Kriol to the Miskito, Chorotega, Nicarao, and Orosi.
The Rama People
The Rama, a small community of approximately 2,500, have lived for centuries on the Caribbean coast, specifically around Rama Cay and Bluefields. Their language, part of the Chibchan family, is critically endangered. Traditional Rama life revolves around the land and water, with fishing, hunting, and agriculture central to their survival. While their social structures have changed over time, remnants of their pre-colonial past—such as their hierarchical systems with powerful kings—still echo in their stories and oral traditions.
The Kriol People
Descendants of African slaves brought to the region by the British during the colonial era, the Kriol people maintain their unique Creole English language and culture, blending African, Caribbean, and Spanish influences. Their customs and traditions, including vibrant music, dance, and cuisine, are a testament to their resilient heritage.
The Miskito People
The Miskito, one of the larger indigenous groups, have long thrived along the Atlantic coast, with communities stretching across Nicaragua and Honduras. Their culture is deeply tied to the region’s natural resources, and their language, part of the Misumalpan family, remains in use today.
Greater Nicoya: A Cultural Crossroads
Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, part of the region known as Greater Nicoya, was a major cultural crossroads for thousands of years. Archaeologists now know that this area was influenced by Mesoamerican cultures from as far away as central Mexico, despite misconceptions that Nicaragua was isolated. Spanish records from the 16th century described multiple waves of migration, including the arrival of the Chorotega around A.D. 800 and the Nicarao later in the 14th century. Both groups spoke languages related to those of the highland civilizations of Mexico, but archaeological findings have revealed that Greater Nicoya developed its own distinct cultural identity.
Recent archaeological investigations, particularly those led by scholars such as Geoffrey McCafferty and Silvia Salgado, have begun to unravel the complex history of these peoples. Contrary to earlier assumptions that the Nicoya region was merely an extension of Mesoamerica, new discoveries suggest that the area was much more dynamic, with significant internal developments driving its cultural evolution.
The Nicarao and Chorotega People
The Nicarao people, who lived along the shores of Lake Cocibolca, were fierce defenders of their land against Spanish incursions. They spoke a Nahuan language related to those of the Toltec and Aztec civilizations. The Chorotega, who migrated from the south-central Mexican highlands, built advanced societies on the Pacific coast and were known for their impressive stone sculptures and pottery. These two groups, while linguistically tied to Mesoamerican cultures, developed unique traditions and practices in their new homeland.
Life Along the Lakes
Archaeologists have found evidence of vibrant communities in sites like Santa Isabel, Ometepe, and El Rayo, where indigenous people engaged in fishing, farming, and crafting intricate ceramics. They also crafted beads, pendants, and figurines, and their art often depicted deities, animals, and nature. Tools such as grinding stones and stone scrapers were used in everyday life, and ceremonial objects—like painted figurines—highlight cultural mixing between different groups.
The Orosi and Niquirano
The Orosi, known for their mastery of metallurgy, lived primarily in southern Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica. Their advanced techniques in working gold and copper, along with their skills in terrace farming, made them a formidable society before their conquest by the Spanish. The Niquirano, inhabitants of Ometepe Island, believed in a twin creation myth symbolized by the island’s two volcanic peaks, Volcan Concepcion and Volcan Maderas. Their stonework, petroglyphs, and sacred mythology reflect a deep connection to their natural environment and the cosmos.
The Legacy of Nicaragua’s Indigenous Peoples
Today, indigenous peoples make up about 10 percent of Nicaragua’s population. Their ancestors left behind colorful painted pottery, stone sculptures, and intricate petroglyphs, which can still be found across the country. Although much of Nicaragua’s indigenous history was overshadowed by colonialism, modern archaeologists continue to piece together the diverse and rich heritage of Greater Nicoya.
For more information about Nicaraguan heritage and indigenous populations, check out these resources
Who Were the People of Greater Nicoya?
Fruit and Axes of Gold -Consuming Indigenous Heritages in Nicaragua