The past 6 weeks in Peru with my classmates have been an enlightening journey, delving into the intricate processes of “making and unmaking indigeneity in the Andes”. Our academic adventure took us from the bustling metropolis of Lima, through the historical heart of Cusco, and into the serene expanses of the Sacred Valley. Along this route, we observed how the expression of indigeneity transforms with geography and the implications this has on cultural preservation.
In Lima, we saw indigeneity through a lens of modernity and adaptation. The capital city, with its rapid urbanization and cosmopolitan lifestyle, presented us with a version of indigenous identity that is continually negotiating its place amidst contemporary influences. For me, indigeneity sometimes felt diluted, as traditional practices had to adapt to urban settings, they often lose some authenticity in the process.
As we moved from Lima to Cusco, the change was palpable. Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, holds a deeper and more visible connection to its indigenous roots. The city’s architecture, festivals, and daily life echo with the remnants of its Incan heritage. In Cusco, indigeneity felt more integrated into the fabric of everyday life. The practices and traditions we observed were not only preserved but actively celebrated, giving us a richer understanding of what it means to maintain an indigenous identity in a modern world.
Our journey culminated in the Sacred Valley, where we encountered what felt like the most authentic forms of indigeneity such as the Kusy Kawsay School and the Amaru Community. The people here seem to live in closer harmony with their ancestral lands, and their cultural practices are less influenced by the pressures of urbanization. I think Pisac and Ollantaytambo offered us a glimpse into the spiritual and practical relationships that these communities maintain with their environment. Connection to place is crucial; it underpins their ability to sustain cultural practices that have been handed down through generations.
One of the highlights of our trip was the visit to Machu Picchu. While undeniably awe-inspiring, this experience was tinged with the recognition that it is a highly curated site for tourist consumption. However, Machu Picchu’s fame has brought significant attention and resources to the region, which has helped in preserving many aspects of indigenous culture. This duality—where tourism both supports and commercializes cultural heritage—was a recurring theme throughout our studies. It underscored the importance of being mindful as tourists about how we observe and engage with other cultures.
As we reflect on our journey, it’s clear that place plays a crucial role in the maintenance of indigenous culture. The further we traveled from urban centers, the more we engaged with practices that felt deeply rooted and less altered by external influences. This experience has taught us the value of approaching cultural tourism with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that our presence does not disrupt or diminish the very cultures we seek to understand.
My exploration of indigeneity in the Andes has been a profound educational experience and I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity. Please share your favorite experience from the past 6 weeks!!
One reply on “Exploring the Making and Unmaking of Indigeneity in the Andes: A Journey through Peru”
“ As we reflect on our journey, it’s clear that place plays a crucial role in the maintenance of indigenous culture.”
This is such an accurate observation of how important place plays in cultural identity. I feel often with so much migration around the planet people bring their cultures with them but ultimately parts are always lost and new pieces are tacked on transforming what was there before. If humans are around in 2000 years it would be interesting to see how all those bits and pieces fit together and what new cultures manifest out of them.