Ch'uta and cholita leading Carnival parades La Paz Bolivia
by James Brunker
Title
Ch'uta and cholita leading Carnival parades La Paz Bolivia
Artist
James Brunker
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
A cholita (the name given to Aymara women who wear traditional dress) and ch'uta leading a dance group during parades for Carnival celebrations in La Paz, Bolivia. The ch'uta character appears to have originated Caquiaviri, a village in the Pacajes Province in the altiplano regions southwest of La Paz. They are considered to be guardians of the harvests, it is thought that the name refers to indigenous people who were required to provide labor and services to the landowners for certain periods. The masks and elaborate embroidered costumes were a parody of their masters, who were usually of European descent. Ch'uta dances are often seen at festivals in La Paz Department between November and April (which is when much agricultural activity occurs), and are also one of the main characters at La Paz Carnival parades. Cholitas wearing the typical skirts called polleras, blouses and bowler hats are a common sight in La Paz and altiplano regions.
Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, transmission or use in any form without written permission strictly prohibited.
Uploaded
February 15th, 2024
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Comments (1)
Dennis Baswell
very festive street carnival colorful costumes and signature Peruvian hats James. LF
James Brunker replied:
Thank you Dennis! The bowlers hats are probably more typically Bolivian (esp La Paz area which is where the cholita culture is strongest) though they do use them in southern Peru too