Ch'utas dancing during La Paz Carnival Bolivia
by James Brunker
Title
Ch'utas dancing during La Paz Carnival Bolivia
Artist
James Brunker
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Ch'uta characters take part in dance parades during 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.
Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, transmission or use in any form without written permission strictly prohibited.
Uploaded
February 14th, 2024
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