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How large could Tehuelche bands become after the introduction of horses?

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

Following the introduction of the horse in the early 18th century, the social organization of the Tehuelche people underwent a significant transformation. As they adapted to hunting on the Patagonian steppes, their smaller groups began to congregate into larger units, with bands reaching as many as 500 members.1

This shift toward larger, mounted bands allowed for more effective hunting of guanaco and rhea, as well as increased capacity for warfare. Consequently, the role of the traditional kinship leader was gradually superseded by that of the successful war leader.1