qulla

The Qulla, also known as Kollas or Colla, are an Indigenous people of the central Andes, traditionally inhabiting the highlands of the Altiplano and puna in what are now Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, and southern Peru. In the pre-Columbian era they occupied a large and culturally distinct region that the Inca Empire organized as Kollasuyu, the southeast quarter of the empire, reflecting their historical prominence in the region.

Language and culture are central to Qulla identity. The Qulla language belongs to the Aymaran language family, though many contemporary Qulla people are multilingual, speaking Spanish and regional languages as well. Traditional livelihoods include high-altitude agriculture, with crops such as potatoes and quinoa, and the herding of llamas and alpacas. Textiles, music, and ritual practices are important elements of Qulla cultural life. As with many Andean communities, religious practice commonly blends indigenous traditions with Catholic influences, creating a syncretic spiritual landscape.

Historically, the Qulla played a significant role in the dynamics of the southern Andes during the Inca period and later under Spanish colonial rule. Their lands and labor contributed to regional economies, including mining and trade networks. In the modern era, Qulla communities are distributed across Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina, where they participate in broader Indigenous rights movements and seek recognition of land and cultural autonomy. Traditional community organization, including ayllu structures and local councils, often coexists with national legal frameworks to govern land use and cultural preservation.