Fishermen, farmers, and fiestas continuity in ritual of traditional villages on the northwest coast of Peru /
This dissertation is an attempt to explain aspects of sacred
ceremonial expression of the Peruvian northwest coastal farmers and
fishermen in the Moche Valley. The study is informed primarily by
sacerdotes andinos (healer-priests), ancianos (elders), and native
fishermen and farmers. Specifically, sacerdotes andinos are the
teachers of ritualistic dances and myths. Lessons learned from the
sacerdotes are not only an intellectual exercise; they are “lived.” The
myths of fishermen and farmers are initiated and experienced with the
sounds of the sacerdote “ancestor” conch trumpet, the maraca (seed)
rattle and song-chants in ceremony, but not by everyday language.
The initiation ritual of the Diablada dancers takes place on top of the
huaca (sacred place) of the Chimú ancestor in Chan Chan from
midnight to dawn. Then, with the siete ñustas de wiracocha (essence
of seven mystical plants) combined with the sounds of the ocean
waves breaking on the shore and the constant rattle and chanting of
the sacerdote, one travels and learns. These historical-mythological
adventure-traditions are repeated frequently, remembered and passed
on from one generation to the next through sound.
The dances of the Diablada, the Ingas and Ñustas, and the
processional journey to the Moche River tell stories about the
community, the land, relationships and the culture of the people. For
each village, there is a distinct structure and style of expression.
Traditional farming and fishing techniques, village relations,
ceremonies, rituals, dances, music, and myth continue to exist and
orient the people.
School:The University of Texas at Austin
School Location:USA - Texas
Source Type:Master's Thesis
Keywords:folklore mythology peruvian oral tradition fishers farmers religion moche river valley peru
Date of Publication: