Start of Aymara New Year Ceremonies Bolivia
by James Brunker
Title
Start of Aymara New Year Ceremonies Bolivia
Artist
James Brunker
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
An Aymara spiritual leader (called an amauta) blows a conch shell to mark the start of ceremonies at the archaeological site of Tiwanaku / Tiahuanaco to celebrate the Aymara New Year, which takes place on the June 21st winter solstice. Sunrise is considered to be the start of the New Year. 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. 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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