Toqui
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Toqui (from the Mapudungun toki "axe, axe-bearer") is a title conferred by the Mapuche (an indigenous Chilean people) to those who are chosen as their leader during times of war. The toqui is chosen in a parliament or assembly of the loncos of the various territories allied during the war in question. The Toqui could command strict obedience of all the warriors and their loncos during the war, organize them in units and appoint leaders over them. This command would continue until he was killed, or deposed in another parliament (usually only for poor leadership) or the war ended.
Some of the more famous Toqui in the wars with the Spanish introduced tactical innovations, like Lautaro who introduced infantry tactics to defeat horsemen.
The following chiefs were at some time named as toquis:
- Ainavillo 1550
- Lautaro 1553-54, 1556-57
- Caupolicán
- Colocolo
- Pelantaro
- Lientur
- Vilumilla
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