Omaguaca

The Omaguaca, or Humahuaca, were a confederation of farming peoples in the Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy Province, Argentina. They grew maize on stone terraces, herded llamas and made red pottery painted with black geometric designs. Their now-extinct tongue may have been related to the Kunza of the Atacameños.

The Incas, with Aymara allies, annexed the valley to Collasuyo around 1400, though some scholars place it as late as 1471, making Tilcara an administrative centre. The fortress of Pucará de Juella shows signs of resistance.

After the Spanish founding of Jujuy, Viltipoco, curaca of Humahuaca and Purmamarca, united the bands and destroyed San Francisco de Álava in 1576; in 1594 he led warriors against San Salvador de Velasco, but was defeated by Francisco de Argañaraz y Murguía. Indian cabildos at Humahuaca and Tilcara then governed the survivors under colonial rule.