UJ # 20 - BEST OF THE BEST

APPETISERS
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AN OFFERING TO
MOTHER EARTH
History, archaeology and culture
40 min - 2 hours AM | PM Upon request
LimaTours
Peru’s essence is infused with a mysticism that has woven its
way through the country’s history, bringing with it a series of
rituals and customs that continue to hold huge cultural value
to this day. Some of these have mutated over time, adapting
to occurring social changes, while others continue to be
practised and executed much like they were when conceived.
No matter the culture – be it Moche, Chachapoyas, Inca, etc. –,
nature and humankind’s connection to it has always been an
underlying theme and fundamental part of ancient Peruvians’
worldview. Andean cosmology – as it is known today –
emphasises the relationship between man and nature, and the
sacred connotation it possesses: the Earth is the Pachamama
(Mother Earth in Quechua), and the mountains are the Apus.
Together these revered entities protect and provide.
The Payment to Mother Earth is one of the most important
rituals performed in the Andes, done in gratitude to the
Pachamama for all the products, animals, and water that she
provides. With a quintu in hand (three select coca leaves that
are used to communicate with the gods), and an assortment
of objects that make up the traditional ‘despacho’ – all of
which are wrapped up in a weaving as colourful as a rainbow
– a shaman “returns” part of the goods received from Mother
LimaTours
Earth to her.
The arrival of the Spanish brought with it the uprooting of
native customs. Nonetheless, Andean residents managed to
adapt their traditions in ways that maintained their essence –
although this often meant hiding or camouflaging them within
the new, imposed customs. Luckily for us, these 500-yearold
rituals have stood the test of time, and we now have the
chance to be a part of them.
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