Atanquez was an indigenous settlement founded according to oral tradition by a Mama (spiritual leader) named Tukaka.[1] In the mid-18th century the Spanish had already colonized the plains surrounding the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range and decided to also colonize the mountains and re-found the indigenous settlements. These indigenous villages were Atanquez, Maraocaso and El Rosario which grew in population due to the displacement caused during the period of Spanish conquest of the Chimila and Guanebucanes in the lower and surrounding areas of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in the 16th century.[2]
The Kogui named these the "Wiwa", while the Arhuaco called them "Arzario". Former African slaves also established in Atanquez and formed the "Palenque of Atanquez". The Spanish sent Capuchin and Dominican friars to "civilize" the indigenous and named it San Sebastian.[3] According to an order of the Royal Audience of Santa Fe de Bogota by a Sub-delegate Judge of Land named Don Agustín de la Sierra in 1781. The corregimiento of Atanquez was created by Municipal Accord of Valledupar 02 on January 4, 1906, and ordered by then Mayor of Valledupar, Moisés Martínez. Atanquez also became part of the indigenous KankuamoResguardo created by Resolution 012 of April 10, 2003, as established by the Colombian Institute of Agrarian Reform (INCORA).[1]
The economy of Atanquez is based on agriculture and the production of indigenous art crafts. The main products are panela, liquor from maize and sugar cane, fique, production of medicinal plants, local fruits and vegetables, Cacao and coffee which is commercialize in Valledupar.[6]
