Tinka of alpaca

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Summary

At the end of the alpaca's bearing season, the shepherds of Tata Wara-Wara, a highland village in the region of Arequipa, get ready to perform as the tinka de alpaca. This ceremony, in which the an...

At the end of the alpaca's bearing season, the shepherds of Tata Wara-Wara, a highland village in the region of Arequipa, get ready to perform as the tinka de alpaca. This ceremony, in which the animals are paid homage and counted, is accompanied by rituals giving thanks to Pachamama, the earth goddess. The principal offering, of iranta, consists of alpaca feed, coca leaves and alcohol, which are put into a pit in the ground. In exchange, the force of her fertility is sought, in order to secure an abundance of pasture and an increase in livestock. The tinka de alpaca, attended by family members and friends of the sponsor, is also an occasion to strengthen alliances and highlight the sense of group feeling.

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