El simbolismo en torno al agua en la comunidad de Huaros-Canta

Abstract

During the archaeological and ethnographic investigations in the upper valley of the Chillon River, we have collected abundant information that explain the oral tradition-based cultural continuity that remains until now, but is condemned to disappear because of the pressure of technology and modernity. We explain some symbolical elements related to water-associated magical and religious beliefs. This symbolism helps to explain the complex rituals of fertility related to the origins of the Huaros community. The current village of Huaros derives from two ancient settlements: Huishco and Aynas. Both coexisted during the Late Intermediate Period (AD 1100-1300) and functioned as two complementary entities at the level of economic management. That complementarity generated a dual organization that survived the Spanish conquest and beyond, forming two quarters in the newly created colonial settlement of Huaros. Huaroslao for those coming from Huishco and Huanarpun for those coming from Aynas.

Keywords

• symbolism
• oral tradition
• Cantas
• Huaros
• water-cult
• bipartition of space