This project, The Mysteries of the Andes, seeks to accomplish something that hasn't been done before, to document the stories of Andean and Amazonian communities from a holistic perspective.
The Mysteries of the Andes is a collection of nine memorable films with the following nine titles:
This documentary delves deeply into the mythological and cultural roots of the indigenous community of the Q’eros. The Q’eros inhabit a territory more than 5000 meters above sea level located between the plateau and Amazonian Regions of Cuzco in the South Central Andes. This “nation” of Andean men and women with extraordinary ways of life dedicate themselves to farming, agriculture, and exchange. They have preserved their ethnic identity for more than 500 years, surviving both the colonial and republic periods, as they project themselves into the future.
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The Persistent Memory of the Andes
This documentary delves deeply into the mythological and cultural roots of the indigenous community of the Q’eros. The Q’eros inhabit a territory more than 5000 meters above sea level located between the plateau and Amazonian Regions of Cuzco in the South Central Andes. This “nation” of Andean men and women with extraordinary ways of life dedicate themselves to farming, agriculture, and exchange. They have preserved their ethnic identity for more than 500 years, surviving both the colonial and republic periods, as they project themselves into the future.
Their vision, which encompasses everything on earth and in the cosmos, has survived throughout time and has allowed them to maintain their way of life. They appropriate from modern elements only what serves them and without negating the main values and origins of their culture. This continuous vision of life has proven to be tremendously interesting to those that want to understand other living formations in the West.
The customs and beliefs of the Q’eros, which we have observed and can testify to over a prolonged period of time, has led us to a better understanding of cultural survival, memory, and history. Join us in an enthralling journey of the Q’eros community in Inkarri, named after the myth of the rise of the Inca, our first film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
01. Inkarri
The Persistent Memory of the Andes
This documentary delves deeply into the mythological and cultural roots of the indigenous community of the Q’eros. The Q’eros inhabit a territory more than 5000 meters above sea level located between the plateau and Amazonian Regions of Cuzco in the South Central Andes. This “nation” of Andean men and women with extraordinary ways of life dedicate themselves to farming, agriculture, and exchange. They have preserved their ethnic identity for more than 500 years, surviving both the colonial and republic periods, as they project themselves into the future.
Their vision, which encompasses everything on earth and in the cosmos, has survived throughout time and has allowed them to maintain their way of life. They appropriate from modern elements only what serves them and without negating the main values and origins of their culture. This continuous vision of life has proven to be tremendously interesting to those that want to understand other living formations in the West.
The customs and beliefs of the Q’eros, which we have observed and can testify to over a prolonged period of time, has led us to a better understanding of cultural survival, memory, and history. Join us in an enthralling journey of the Q’eros community in Inkarri, named after the myth of the rise of the Inca, our first film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
The renewal of the last remaining Inca bridge of today shows us the remarkable vigor and liveliness of the Andean people and their culture. Through this bridge, traditionally called the Q’eswachaka bridge, we can witness how they conserve their techniques and renew their culture. This social event that occurs once a year over the Apurimac river, appears before our eyes as a ritual and as a sacred gesture conducted by the men and women of the surrounding territories. + READ MORE
The renewal of the last remaining Inca bridge of today shows us the remarkable vigor and liveliness of the Andean people and their culture. Through this bridge, traditionally called the Q’eswachaka bridge, we can witness how they conserve their techniques and renew their culture. This social event that occurs once a year over the Apurimac river, appears before our eyes as a ritual and as a sacred gesture conducted by the men and women of the surrounding territories.
This act of Quechua culture is linked to the development of their agricultural and festival calendar. The reconstruction of the bridge is considered an action that is granted to the bridge because it is considered to be an Apu or deity. The wellbeing of those that inhabit these lands depends on honoring this tradition.
The renewal of the bridge is done through a working model that dates back to Inca times, called Minka, which is defined as collective work. Ayni, the concept of reciprocity, and Minka are also expressed through various festivities that last four days.
Join us in honoring the Apu Q’eswachaka and observe how these communities reweave their social and spiritual fabrics. Q’eswachaka is our second film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
02. YUYAYPAQ APU Q’ESWACHAKA
Transcendency of the ancient Inca installationsThe renewal of the last remaining Inca bridge of today shows us the remarkable vigor and liveliness of the Andean people and their culture. Through this bridge, traditionally called the Q’eswachaka bridge, we can witness how they conserve their techniques and renew their culture. This social event that occurs once a year over the Apurimac river, appears before our eyes as a ritual and as a sacred gesture conducted by the men and women of the surrounding territories.
This act of Quechua culture is linked to the development of their agricultural and festival calendar. The reconstruction of the bridge is considered an action that is granted to the bridge because it is considered to be an Apu or deity. The wellbeing of those that inhabit these lands depends on honoring this tradition.
The renewal of the bridge is done through a working model that dates back to Inca times, called Minka, which is defined as collective work. Ayni, the concept of reciprocity, and Minka are also expressed through various festivities that last four days.
Join us in honoring the Apu Q’eswachaka and observe how these communities reweave their social and spiritual fabrics. Q’eswachaka is our second film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
The mountain range of the Andes was chosen by man and woman to symbolize the union between sacred space and ancestral time. Since ancient times, these areas were designated as ritual centers of pilgrimage. Many rituals were practiced, and offerings were dedicated, to the precious waters coming from the mountains. + READ MORE
The mountain range of the Andes was chosen by man and woman to symbolize the union between sacred space and ancestral time. Since ancient times, these areas were designated as ritual centers of pilgrimage. Many rituals were practiced, and offerings were dedicated, to the precious waters coming from the mountains.
In the Centro Poblado Menor de Pinchollo, located in the district of Cabanaconde in the Arequipa Region, there is a ritual for the water that comes from the melting glaciers of the mountains, a social event that is reminiscent of the ancient ritual of Qhapac Qocha. Local communities believe that the abundance of water is dependent on the annual offerings they make to the Apu, or mountain deity, known as Walqa Walqa. The ritual consists of making an offering of objects, animals, and flowers to the respected mountain, just like they used to do it in the ancient times, except without the human offering.
In the modern ritual, there is a girl that is beautifully dressed and is at the center of the ceremony. The whole town accompanies her in the colorful pilgrimage to Achumani, where an offering is made with a little figurine symbolizing the girl. The girl is meant to mediate a conversation between the local communities and the Apu Walqa Walqa to ask for the continuous flow of water. Indigenous communities continue this ritual as a way of paying homage to the mountains which reciprocate with abundant and clean water for those living in the area.
Ñawinchasqa is our third film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
03. ÑAWINCHASQA
The modern Qhapaq QochaThe mountain range of the Andes was chosen by man and woman to symbolize the union between sacred space and ancestral time. Since ancient times, these areas were designated as ritual centers of pilgrimage. Many rituals were practiced, and offerings were dedicated, to the precious waters coming from the mountains.
In the Centro Poblado Menor de Pinchollo, located in the district of Cabanaconde in the Arequipa Region, there is a ritual for the water that comes from the melting glaciers of the mountains, a social event that is reminiscent of the ancient ritual of Qhapac Qocha. Local communities believe that the abundance of water is dependent on the annual offerings they make to the Apu, or mountain deity, known as Walqa Walqa. The ritual consists of making an offering of objects, animals, and flowers to the respected mountain, just like they used to do it in the ancient times, except without the human offering.
In the modern ritual, there is a girl that is beautifully dressed and is at the center of the ceremony. The whole town accompanies her in the colorful pilgrimage to Achumani, where an offering is made with a little figurine symbolizing the girl. The girl is meant to mediate a conversation between the local communities and the Apu Walqa Walqa to ask for the continuous flow of water. Indigenous communities continue this ritual as a way of paying homage to the mountains which reciprocate with abundant and clean water for those living in the area.
Ñawinchasqa is our third film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
This documentary takes a close look at the healing practices of the rainforest Huachipaeri society. Their rituals make use of sacred and therapeutic plants and hold a very ancient tradition in the Amazonian rainforest area. Although this area has maintained its health practices for centuries, today it is not valued nor understood from the perspective of the outside world. This traditional practice is also threatened by the loss of biodiversity in the rainforest region, which is where the healer's’ power comes from.+ READ MORE
This documentary takes a close look at the healing practices of the rainforest Huachipaeri society. Their rituals make use of sacred and therapeutic plants and hold a very ancient tradition in the Amazonian rainforest area. Although this area has maintained its health practices for centuries, today it is not valued nor understood from the perspective of the outside world. This traditional practice is also threatened by the loss of biodiversity in the rainforest region, which is where the healer's’ power comes from.
The main objective of this film is to understand the role of language and how it is used as part of curanderismo (a system of traditional healing) of the Amazonian people. The healing through language is manifested through ceremonial songs, such as the “Eshuva Prayers”, and in the use of certain vocabulary. The semantics and poetics of the words are the primary form of orally transferring the healing powers of the curer. The Huachipaeri tongue and the “Eshuva Prayers” constitute a valuable and essential element of their culture, which illuminates their traditions and beliefs.
Join us as we glimpse into the healing practices of Huachipaeri culture. Voices That Cure is our fourth film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
04. VOICES THAT CURE
The natural world of the rainforest shamanThis documentary takes a close look at the healing practices of the rainforest Huachipaeri society. Their rituals make use of sacred and therapeutic plants and hold a very ancient tradition in the Amazonian rainforest area. Although this area has maintained its health practices for centuries, today it is not valued nor understood from the perspective of the outside world. This traditional practice is also threatened by the loss of biodiversity in the rainforest region, which is where the healer's’ power comes from.
The main objective of this film is to understand the role of language and how it is used as part of curanderismo (a system of traditional healing) of the Amazonian people. The healing through language is manifested through ceremonial songs, such as the “Eshuva Prayers”, and in the use of certain vocabulary. The semantics and poetics of the words are the primary form of orally transferring the healing powers of the curer. The Huachipaeri tongue and the “Eshuva Prayers” constitute a valuable and essential element of their culture, which illuminates their traditions and beliefs.
Join us as we glimpse into the healing practices of Huachipaeri culture. Voices That Cure is our fourth film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
Ancient indigenous and colonial chiefs displayed their status through actions and “symbols of power”. One of these symbols was the baton, which is usually associated with its origins in Spain, but had a similar Andean tradition that preceded it. Spain’s colonial imposition and hegemony fused both traditions together. + READ MORE
Ancient indigenous and colonial chiefs displayed their status through actions and “symbols of power”. One of these symbols was the baton, which is usually associated with its origins in Spain, but had a similar Andean tradition that preceded it. Spain’s colonial imposition and hegemony fused both traditions together.
The colonial chiefs used these “Batons of Power” to connote and legitimize their authority over other subordinate natives. The ritual of “Carrying the Baton” has endured until today and we can witness it in different acts and formal ceremonies.
The study of these batons implies knowing the different aspects of social power, its symbolic and aesthetic forms and the functions it has in the community. Ideologies, sociocultural forms, and political meanings have been recovered through this Andean tradition. For this reason, the baton theme is presented in this film in its own political and ethnic contexts, which allows for a more in depth experience. Finally, we’ll look at ceramics, textiles, and jewelry with icons of the baton found in archeological sites. These antique records will show us how this object, which expresses power, is characterized.
Varayoc, our fifth film of The Mysteries of the Andes series covers the importance of these wooden batons embossed with icons.
05. VARAYOC
The popular and traditional baton in PeruAncient indigenous and colonial chiefs displayed their status through actions and “symbols of power”. One of these symbols was the baton, which is usually associated with its origins in Spain, but had a similar Andean tradition that preceded it. Spain’s colonial imposition and hegemony fused both traditions together.
The colonial chiefs used these “Batons of Power” to connote and legitimize their authority over other subordinate natives. The ritual of “Carrying the Baton” has endured until today and we can witness it in different acts and formal ceremonies.
The study of these batons implies knowing the different aspects of social power, its symbolic and aesthetic forms and the functions it has in the community. Ideologies, sociocultural forms, and political meanings have been recovered through this Andean tradition. For this reason, the baton theme is presented in this film in its own political and ethnic contexts, which allows for a more in depth experience. Finally, we’ll look at ceramics, textiles, and jewelry with icons of the baton found in archeological sites. These antique records will show us how this object, which expresses power, is characterized.
Varayoc, our fifth film of The Mysteries of the Andes series covers the importance of these wooden batons embossed with icons.
This documentary depicts the value that men and women put on the domestic camelids thousands of years ago. It focuses specifically on the human deification of the animal and the ritualistic practices that are used to stimulate their reproduction. + READ MORE
This documentary depicts the value that men and women put on the domestic camelids thousands of years ago. It focuses specifically on the human deification of the animal and the ritualistic practices that are used to stimulate their reproduction.
In the middle of a floral landscape that is unique to the plateau, the figures of the camelids are emphasized, signifying their importance to the shepherd community. The camelids provide many materials such as wool, meat, and manure. However, their importance is not only based on their economic significance but also on their spiritual transcendence. The llama, alpaca, and other camelid (vicugna and guanaco) herds reveal an insight into the social life of the villagers of the Andean plateau. This film shows rituals, ceremonies, costumes, beliefs and myths related to these camelids.
In the past, these animals were elevated to a very high status in the local system of religious beliefs. That is why, even today, these respected animals receive special and symbolic treatment from their communities.
Hu’Tu Paqariq is our sixth film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
06. HU’TU PAQARIQ
Culture and religion in the Andean plateuThis documentary depicts the value that men and women put on the domestic camelids thousands of years ago. It focuses specifically on the human deification of the animal and the ritualistic practices that are used to stimulate their reproduction.
In the middle of a floral landscape that is unique to the plateau, the figures of the camelids are emphasized, signifying their importance to the shepherd community. The camelids provide many materials such as wool, meat, and manure. However, their importance is not only based on their economic significance but also on their spiritual transcendence. The llama, alpaca, and other camelid (vicugna and guanaco) herds reveal an insight into the social life of the villagers of the Andean plateau. This film shows rituals, ceremonies, costumes, beliefs and myths related to these camelids.
In the past, these animals were elevated to a very high status in the local system of religious beliefs. That is why, even today, these respected animals receive special and symbolic treatment from their communities.
Hu’Tu Paqariq is our sixth film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
Currently, traditional and ritualistic battles take place between ethnicities that share common territories. These battles can be violent because of the presence of slings and stones. These ritualistic acts of conflict, which happen annually in the province of Canas, are one of the most intriguing and disconcerting events for outside observers. Without a doubt, the violence exhibited in these battles is what draws the most attention, especially since the loss of human life is often at stake. These battles take place because it’s Mother Earth who reclaims human lives in order to secure the fertility of the harvests, the reproduction of animals, and the social well-being and cyclical abundance for the individuals of these communities. + READ MORE
Currently, traditional and ritualistic battles take place between ethnicities that share common territories. These battles can be violent because of the presence of slings and stones. These ritualistic acts of conflict, which happen annually in the province of Canas, are one of the most intriguing and disconcerting events for outside observers. Without a doubt, the violence exhibited in these battles is what draws the most attention, especially since the loss of human life is often at stake. These battles take place because it’s Mother Earth who reclaims human lives in order to secure the fertility of the harvests, the reproduction of animals, and the social well-being and cyclical abundance for the individuals of these communities.
These encounters are not about villages that hate each other, but rather, they are surviving struggles of ancient traditions. Although they are founded on the logic of ‘tribal war’, they do not seek to eliminate the opposing side. Instead, they seek the vindication of ancient Andean values related to the ritualization of life, reproduction and death cycles, as well as to the leadership and competitiveness of peoples coexisting in common territories. Once these “interethnic struggles” offer their blood sacrifices to establish the strong bond between man and nature, Mother Earth begins to bear her fruits once again.
Tupay Chiaraje is our seventh film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
07. TUPAY CHIARAJE
Ritual battles between Andean communitiesCurrently, traditional and ritualistic battles take place between ethnicities that share common territories. These battles can be violent because of the presence of slings and stones. These ritualistic acts of conflict, which happen annually in the province of Canas, are one of the most intriguing and disconcerting events for outside observers. Without a doubt, the violence exhibited in these battles is what draws the most attention, especially since the loss of human life is often at stake. These battles take place because it’s Mother Earth who reclaims human lives in order to secure the fertility of the harvests, the reproduction of animals, and the social well-being and cyclical abundance for the individuals of these communities.
These encounters are not about villages that hate each other, but rather, they are surviving struggles of ancient traditions. Although they are founded on the logic of ‘tribal war’, they do not seek to eliminate the opposing side. Instead, they seek the vindication of ancient Andean values related to the ritualization of life, reproduction and death cycles, as well as to the leadership and competitiveness of peoples coexisting in common territories. Once these “interethnic struggles” offer their blood sacrifices to establish the strong bond between man and nature, Mother Earth begins to bear her fruits once again.
Tupay Chiaraje is our seventh film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
Cuzco Valley is surrounded by hills and mountains which had particular symbolic and religious value in the past. There were snow-capped “Apus” (mountain deities) and dry “Apus”. Some were revered for being sources of freshwater, while other landmarks, like Mount Wanakauri, were part of the systems of beliefs, ideologies, and symbols of power belonging to ancient modes of understanding social life, religious life, and the cosmovision. + READ MORE
Cuzco Valley is surrounded by hills and mountains which had particular symbolic and religious value in the past. There were snow-capped “Apus” (mountain deities) and dry “Apus”. Some were revered for being sources of freshwater, while other landmarks, like Mount Wanakauri, were part of the systems of beliefs, ideologies, and symbols of power belonging to ancient modes of understanding social life, religious life, and the cosmovision.
In the context of the ancient and sacred city of Qosqo (Cuzco), Mount Wanakauri constituted an essential landmark in the memory of the origin of this powerful ethnic group. It’s been ritualized as the place where the Ayar brothers began to occupy what was formerly the Valley of Aqhamama, throughout the 13th-14th centuries. Wanakauri was an important place where these migrants would contemplate the end of their exodus: the arrival into what is now Sumaq Llaqta in Qosqo.
In this epoch, where mountains, skies, rivers, and seas are demystified, it’s important to note how much these landmarks continue to inspire Andean people. Furthermore, it’s evident in rural society that “water worship” has persisted along with the beliefs of this population, who derive their identity from their native Cuzco ancestors.
Today, there are communities that still respect, appreciate, and love the bounty that the mountains give to their people, farmers, and ranchers -- their rituals give us a window into the past.
In our eight film of The Mysteries of the Andes series, we delve into the importance of Apus and Huacas, Incan consecrated places and objects. Join us in understanding the grand Incan project of expansion known as the “Tawantinsuyo”.
08. APU WANAKAURI
The Origin of the Inca in Cuzco and TawantinsuyoCuzco Valley is surrounded by hills and mountains which had particular symbolic and religious value in the past. There were snow-capped “Apus” (mountain deities) and dry “Apus”. Some were revered for being sources of freshwater, while other landmarks, like Mount Wanakauri, were part of the systems of beliefs, ideologies, and symbols of power belonging to ancient modes of understanding social life, religious life, and the cosmovision.
In the context of the ancient and sacred city of Qosqo (Cuzco), Mount Wanakauri constituted an essential landmark in the memory of the origin of this powerful ethnic group. It’s been ritualized as the place where the Ayar brothers began to occupy what was formerly the Valley of Aqhamama, throughout the 13th-14th centuries. Wanakauri was an important place where these migrants would contemplate the end of their exodus: the arrival into what is now Sumaq Llaqta in Qosqo.
In this epoch, where mountains, skies, rivers, and seas are demystified, it’s important to note how much these landmarks continue to inspire Andean people. Furthermore, it’s evident in rural society that “water worship” has persisted along with the beliefs of this population, who derive their identity from their native Cuzco ancestors.
Today, there are communities that still respect, appreciate, and love the bounty that the mountains give to their people, farmers, and ranchers -- their rituals give us a window into the past.
In our eight film of The Mysteries of the Andes series, we delve into the importance of Apus and Huacas, Incan consecrated places and objects. Join us in understanding the grand Incan project of expansion known as the “Tawantinsuyo”.
The construction of the citadel of Machu Picchu may have started in the late 14th century, 100 years earlier than is commonly argued. The scale of this architectural and engineering project forces us to critically rethink everything we’ve studied so far. + READ MORE
The construction of the citadel of Machu Picchu may have started in the late 14th century, 100 years earlier than is commonly argued. The scale of this architectural and engineering project forces us to critically rethink everything we’ve studied so far.
- Was it built on a pre-existing village?
- Who constructed it?
- What function did it fulfill?
- What was its role in Qosqo/Antisuyu?
Without a doubt, these questions are mandatory in order to construct any plausible assumptions about this important Inca site. Qosqo was a region rich in a variety of raw materials, which the Incas needed continuously. Wood, coca leaves, feathers, honey and precious stones were obtained from exploiting the natural resources of this area. The practical design of the citadel also draws our attention to the human activities conducted there and its socio-religious context.
All these aspects teach us new ideas on how the Inca mentality devised, managed, and executed this enormous portent of Andean civilization in its final stage of autonomy. If we pay attention to the engineering that was carried out, we notice how Qosqo deployed enormous efforts to build citadels, irrigation canals, dairy farms, pukaras, platforms, villages and ports, all along the areas of the eastern flank of the sacred city of the Incas.
These findings, not yet sufficiently studied, will provide us with interesting facts to further deepen our understanding of the religious, cultural, political, economic and strategic agendas that were part of Tawantinsuyo’s multiple regions.
With new findings, was the purpose of this citadel to control the Eastern Jungle? Find out in our final film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
09. MACCHU PICCHU
Famous Inca citadelThe construction of the citadel of Machu Picchu may have started in the late 14th century, 100 years earlier than is commonly argued. The scale of this architectural and engineering project forces us to critically rethink everything we’ve studied so far.
- Was it built on a pre-existing village?
- Who constructed it?
- What function did it fulfill?
- What was its role in Qosqo/Antisuyu?
Without a doubt, these questions are mandatory in order to construct any plausible assumptions about this important Inca site. Qosqo was a region rich in a variety of raw materials, which the Incas needed continuously. Wood, coca leaves, feathers, honey and precious stones were obtained from exploiting the natural resources of this area. The practical design of the citadel also draws our attention to the human activities conducted there and its socio-religious context.
All these aspects teach us new ideas on how the Inca mentality devised, managed, and executed this enormous portent of Andean civilization in its final stage of autonomy. If we pay attention to the engineering that was carried out, we notice how Qosqo deployed enormous efforts to build citadels, irrigation canals, dairy farms, pukaras, platforms, villages and ports, all along the areas of the eastern flank of the sacred city of the Incas.
These findings, not yet sufficiently studied, will provide us with interesting facts to further deepen our understanding of the religious, cultural, political, economic and strategic agendas that were part of Tawantinsuyo’s multiple regions.
With new findings, was the purpose of this citadel to control the Eastern Jungle? Find out in our final film of the nine film series The Mysteries of the Andes.
