article

Contribution to Andean folklore

Journal de la Société des Américanistes26 • 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.
Subjects
Literature
General character of religion
Religious beliefs
Religious practices
Ecclesiastical organization
culture
Aymara
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