before spanish conquest, cartagena de indias was inhabited primarily by the zenú people, who at the time were a thriving ancient civilization. they were engineering geniuses, having developed a network of complex channels and canals to control the flooding in their areas. they are also known for their extensive gold handiwork and impressive woven textile traditions.

spanish conquest robbed us from much of their culture and people, but they do still exist as colombia’s second largest indigenous group, living in the northern departments of sucre and córdoba. the sombrero vueltiao (pictured here), a woven hat made of caña flecha (a loal cane plant) and a national symbol of colombian pride, comes from the zenú.