During the first millennium BC, in the valley of the rivers Calima and Dagua which flow into the Pacific Ocean, groups of settled farmers and excellent potters began a long process of development known as Ilama.
Later the populations began to expand, adapting the landscape of hills and valleys to make house platforms, raised fields and drainage canals. This Yotoco period (2nd century BC - 9th century AD) in Calima produced splendid gold pieces: beautiful ornaments to enhance the prestige of their wearers, accompanying them eventually to their tombs; representations of a varied fauna and men with animal characteristics, combining the real world with the mythical; dippers and containers, poporos, for the ritual consumption of the sacred coca leaf.
Towards the tenth century AD the area was occupied by the Sonso people, whose warriors, resplendent in coppery gold helmets and pectorals, were to confront the Spanish in 1530.
