Aymara Shaman Portrait Bolivia
by James Brunker
Title
Aymara Shaman Portrait Bolivia
Artist
James Brunker
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
An Aymara spiritual leader or amauta blows a conch shell while people raise their hands to receive the energy of the rising sun at the start of the Aymara New Year, which takes place at sunrise on the June 21st winter solstice. The date has long been an important one for the indigenous people of the Andes; it is the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere and rituals were performed during the night to encourage the return of the sun (in Aymara the festival is known as Willkakuti, literally "Return of the Sun"). The date also marked the end of one agricultural cycle and the start of preparations for a new planting season. This image was taken at Tiwanaku / Tiahuanaco, Bolivia's most important archaeological site and location of the largest and best known celebrations. The woven four-cornered hat that he is wearing is very similar to those used by important people of the ancient Tiwanaku and Wari cultures; examples have been found at their sites and can be seen in museums.
Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, transmission or publication in any form without written permission strictly prohibited.
Uploaded
June 21st, 2016
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