The Kolla are an indigenous Andean people of northwest Argentina with contemporary community life concentrated in Jujuy and Salta. Their historic presence spans the highland puna and intermontane valleys. Recent state actions document active organization and recognition: the National Institute of Indigenous Affairs (INAI) issued territorial recognitions for specific Kolla communities in Salta under Law 26.160, reflecting ongoing legal–administrative processes around land and identity (e.g., Comunidad Centro Comunitario Finca San José).
Media summaries of the same INDEC release note that about 78.1% reside in Jujuy and Salta. INAI documentation shows recognized Kolla communities in Salta, and an INAI-recognized Kolla organization also appears in Buenos Aires Province (La Matanza), indicating internal migration and some urban dispersion.
Daily language is Spanish; South Bolivian Quechua (quh) is still spoken in some families/localities. Settlement patterns range from rural highland villages to urban neighborhoods in provincial capitals and the Buenos Aires metro, where livelihoods diversify across wage labor, services, and seasonal mobility (generalized from public educational and research summaries specific to Kolla in Jujuy). Community authority structures and inter-community networks are emphasized in these materials.
About two-thirds identify as Christian; most being Roman Catholic. There is a small Evangelical population among them.
Language is not a primary barrier to Scripture access: complete Bible, audio, and the JESUS Film exist in Spanish and South Bolivian Quechua. Practical access needs revolve around respectful partnership with recognized community authorities, accompaniment in territorial/legal processes (INAI), and discipleship approaches that work across rural highland and urban migrant settings. Up-to-date field research is needed to document congregation presence, language use by age cohort, and openness to local witness.
Ask God to strengthen Christ-centered witness in Spanish and Quechua where appropriate, with culturally respectful discipleship.
Pray for Kolla youth moving between rural villages and cities to find stable work, supportive churches, and mentors.
Pray for researchers and local partners to gather clear, people-specific data on faith, language, and locations to inform ministry.
Pray for Kolla community leaders navigating territorial recognition and local governance to have wisdom and favor with authorities.
Pray that soon Kolla disciples of Christ will be making more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Kolla in Argentina.
The specific Kolla count is reported in a 2024 e-l@tina/UBA article summarizing INDEC 2022 by Pueblo. Underlying INDEC xlsx tables were not directly retrievable in-session for verification; treat as accurate but second-hand until the INDEC table is pulled.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
