Support for the reassertion of Andean traditions

LOCATION: The villages of Chuma, Achocalla, Puerto Acosta and Comanche
PROJECT PERIOD: 2009 - 2010
PICTURES: -
DESCRIPTION: Realignment of old traditions, (agrarian) uses and knowledge of the Aymara’s and reintroducing them for the improvement of the cultural identity, the community feeling and a more effective agriculture.

Problem:

The Aymara culture is losing more and more of its traditions, knowledge and uses, which are very useful to survive in the Andes region. Influences from outside (globalization) reinforce this process, which frequently has a negative impact. Aymara’s indicate by themselves that the traditional agronomy was more effective, community links have deteriorated and the population has lost a part of their pride and dignity.

Solution:

Chakana supports initiatives of the Aymara’s themselves, aimed at the study, realignment, transmission and practice of the (almost forgotten) traditions, knowledge and uses. Chakana offers support, the people themselves must initiate the activities, like:
- development of an agrarian calendar for each municipality,
- development of a calendar with traditional festivals for each municipality,
- inventory of the spiritual leaders and their state of knowledge(transmission),
- support for other initiatives, such as the transfer of knowledge, visiting ritual places, the registration of knowledge, development of information folders, publication of articles.

Expected result:

The population re assesses transfers and uses its (ritual) knowledge and traditions as an integral part of daily life. Because of this, the socio-cultural and agricultural situation improves. The Aymara’s take pride on their cultural identity and undergo a less strong influence of external processes.

FUNDING: Chakana and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs