Toqui (
Mapudungun for
axe or
axe-bearer) is a title conferred by the
Mapuche (an indigenous Chilean people) on those chosen as leaders during times of war. The toqui is chosen in an assembly or
parliament (
coyag) of the chieftains (
loncos) of various clans (
Rehues) or confederation of clans (
Aillarehues), allied during the war at hand. The toqui commanded strict obedience of all the warriors and their loncos during the war, would organize them into units and appoint leaders over them. This command would continue until the toqui was killed, abdicated (Cayancaru), was deposed in another parliament (as in the case of Lincoyan, for poor leadership), or upon completion of the war for which he was chosen.