The Aymara people are an indigenous group predominantly found in the Andean region of South America, primarily in modern-day Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. Aymara culture and history are preserved through oral tradition, which includes a belief system, mythology, and rituals centered around deities, heroes, and mythological creatures.
Beliefs
The Aymara belief system centers on the worship of natural forces and elements, with an emphasis on the Earth, sun, moon, and water. They practice animism, attributing a living soul to all natural phenomena, and believe in a divine force called Pachamama, or Mother Earth. Pachamama is considered the source of all life, and the Aymara people hold her in high regard, offering prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to ensure her favor and maintain balance in the world.
Mythology
Aymara stories explain the natural world and carry moral lessons. Central to these stories are deities, heroes, and mythological creatures that embody various aspects of nature, the cosmos, and the human experience.
Deities
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Pachamama: As previously mentioned, Pachamama is the Earth goddess. She is often depicted as a nurturing, maternal figure who provides sustenance and protection to all living beings.
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Inti: The sun god, Inti, was the paramount god of the Inca state cult, which spread into Aymara territory under Inca rule. The Inca ruling elite, not the Aymara, claimed descent from him, and he is often represented by the golden sun disk. As the source of warmth, light, and life, Inti is revered as a benevolent deity who ensures bountiful harvests and prosperity.
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Mama Killa: The moon goddess, Mama Killa, is the sister and wife of Inti. She is associated with fertility, femininity, and the cycles of life. Mama Killa is also believed to protect women and children and is invoked during childbirth.
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Tunupa: Tunupa is the god of thunder and lightning, often portrayed as a mighty warrior wielding a thunderbolt. Tunupa is also believed to be responsible for rain, which is essential for agricultural success. The Aymara people celebrate the onset of the rainy season with rituals and offerings to please Tunupa, in hopes of receiving ample rainfall for their crops.
Other Beliefs
The Aymara people hold the concept of "ayni," which is a principle of reciprocity and mutual support. This idea reflects an understanding of the world as an interconnected system, in which humans, nature, and the divine are all bound together. Ayni serves as a guiding principle for social interactions, as well as the relationship between the Aymara people and their deities. By honoring the gods through rituals and offerings, the people ensure the continued flow of blessings and protection from the divine realm.
Heroes and Mythological Creatures
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Thunupa: Thunupa is a cultural hero and demigod in Aymara mythology. He is said to have been a great teacher and wise man, responsible for bringing knowledge of agriculture, weaving, and social organization to the Aymara people. In one widely recorded legend, Thunupa was set adrift on a totora-reed raft on Lake Titicaca and floated down the Desaguadero River, a vital water source in the Andean highlands.
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Akeko: Akeko (Ekeko, or Iqiqu in contemporary Aymara spelling) is the god of abundance and prosperity of the Altiplano. He is shown as a small figure of a mustached man loaded with food, household goods, and money, and he is the central figure of the Alasitas fair held each January 24 in La Paz.
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Kantuta and Patujú: These two figures appear in a Bolivian love legend about the country's two national flowers. The patujú is a flower of the eastern lowlands, so the legend is not specifically Aymara. It has become a symbol of unity and harmony. Kantuta, a beautiful girl, and Patujú, a brave warrior, fell in love but were tragically separated due to a rivalry between their respective families. Their tears of sorrow gave rise to the Kantuta and Patujú flowers, which are now the national flowers of Bolivia and symbolize the strength of love and the importance of unity.
Rituals
The Aymara people observe various rituals to maintain their connection with the divine, to honor their deities, and to ensure the continued well-being of their community. Some of these rituals include:
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Ch'alla: This ritual involves the offering of food, drink, and coca leaves to Pachamama to express gratitude for her gifts and to ask for her continued blessings. The Ch'alla is usually performed at the beginning of the agricultural season or during times of uncertainty and hardship.
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Willkakuti (Machaq Mara): Celebrated on 21 June, at the winter solstice, Willkakuti ("return of the sun") is an important festival that marks the Aymara New Year. This celebration honors Inti, Mama Killa, and Pachamama and is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. The Aymara people engage in various rituals, such as offering food, drink, and coca leaves, as well as dancing and singing to express their gratitude and to ensure a prosperous year ahead.
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Phujllay: The Pujllay (Phujllay) festival of Tarabuco, in Chuquisaca, Bolivia, belongs to the Yampara people. It commemorates the victory over Spanish forces at the Battle of Jumbate on 12 March 1816 and gives thanks to Pachamama for the harvest; it is not a festival of Thunupa. During the festival, participants engage in music, dance, and processions, often wearing elaborate costumes and headdresses.