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How did the Mapuche support themselves in coastal Chile?

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distribution of aboriginal South American and circum-Caribbean cultural groups — South American Indian Distribution of aboriginal South American and circum-Caribbean cultural groups.

Historically, the Mapuche supported themselves through a combination of agriculture, hunting, and fishing. In their traditional settlements, they cultivated corn, beans, squash, potatoes, and chili peppers. Additionally, they kept guinea pigs for meat and maintained herds of llamas, which served as a source of wool and as pack animals.12

Regarding coastal regions specifically, such as the Chiloé island group, the local population has historically engaged in rudimentary agriculture alongside the gathering of shellfish and algae, the latter of which is used in the production of confectionery products.3