The Chachapoya Language
We do not know what language or languages the Chachapoya spoke,
although traces remain in non-Quechua place names such as Kuelap,
Chilingote or Huemal. (The Inca introduced Quechua as a lingua franca
into conquered regions.) Surnames and toponyms offer the most persuasive
evidence for the Chachapoya language. Linguist Gerald Taylor, for
instance, suggests that the suffix “-mal,” by far the
most common ending (e.g., Choctamal, Cuemal, Huemal, Yulmal) may
mean pampa or plain. The suffix “–lap” or “–lape,”
as in Yalape or Kuelap(e), may indicate a fortress or fortified
settlement. “Huala” may signify mountain: “Shukahuala,”
mountain of the vulture and “Huala Huala,” a mountain
range.
Indeed, the very meaning of “Chachapoyas” is mired
in controversy. Garcilaso said it meant “place of strong men.”
Others argue that it is derived from the name of a local ethnic
group, the Chachas, combined with the Quechua, puyu, cloud. Still
others believe it is formed of two Quechua words, sacha, tree and
puyu, cloud. A rough translation conveys the idea of cloud forest,
an apt description for much of the territory. Nonetheless, Taylor
argues that while this etymology is compelling, “Chachapoya”
is probably not of Quechua origin.
Detail of a pyroengraved
gourd
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