article

Contribution to Andean folklore

Journal de la Société des Américanistes • 26 • Published In 1934 • Pages: 67-102 [HRAF translation ms.: 46 ]

By: Métraux, Alfred, Reynolds, Priscilla.

Abstract

This monograph is on religious practices and beliefs of the Aymara in the province of Carangas, Bolivia. After four centuries of European-Indian contacts the Aymara showed Christian influence, but, according to Métraux, still retained many native religious elements. Métraux took notes in various places in Aymara territory and there may also be data on the Quechua. Data are presented on the following subjects; practices and beliefs relating to the Thunderbolt, demons and spirits, the soul and ghosts, practices related to the ancestors, the SAMIRI or sacred objects and places, magico-religious practices which accompany birth and the first haircut of the child, funeral customs, rites observed during the building of the house, 'pagan' rites celebrated on the occasion of Christmas, the Aymara magician and his functions, remedies, amulets and superstitions, sacred shrines and the festival of ALASITA taking place at one of them, the ayllus and territorial organization of the regions of Umala and Corque, and a presentation of several native melodies. The appendices are on the Quechua.

HRAF PubDate

1995

Region

South America

Sub Region

Central Andes

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle

Field Date

1930-1931

Coverage Date

not specified

Coverage Place

Carangas Province, Bolivia

Notes

Alfred Métraux

Translation of: Contribution au Folk-lore Andin. The original French text is not included

Translated from the French for the Human Relations Area Files by Pricilla Reynolds

LCSH

Aymara Indians