Articles
Aymara
The Aymara are a South American ethnic
group native to the Andes region, as well as Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and
northern Chile. Their ancestors have lived in these regions for over 2000
years. At first independent, they became a subject nation of the Inca and later
the Spanish. Still, they have retained important aspects of their culture,
despite the attention of two powerful nations and the pressures of modern
society.
The Aymara are comprised of several ethnic
groups, including the Charqa, Quillaca, Soras, and more. When the Spanish
conquistadores arrived in the 16th century, the Aymara were spread
through modern Bolivia; linguistic studies show that the Aymara language was
once spoken as for north as central Peru, where the Aymara may have originated.
However, the Aymara, along with some scholars, believe that they were linked
with the advanced civilization of Tiwanaku. Interestingly, Inca architecture
was modelled on Tiwanaku styling. There are Aymara placenames in the Incan area
of Cuzco, and the Incan secret language seems to be a derivative of Aymara.
Under Incan rule, the Aymara were permitted
a surprising amount of autonomy. As long as the tribute kept rolling in, the
Incans were content to let them live as they saw fit. The Aymara culture had
seven or more individual kingdoms, making it difficult to pin down the capital
of their ancient civilization.
Modern Aymara can be distinguished by their
dress Ð Chola dress, bowler hat, boots, skirts, and jewellery. This unique
fashion has become firmly linked with Bolivian culture in the minds and hearts
of millions. To Aymara women, it is a sign of pride in their Aymara identity.
For centuries, Aymara peoples have grown
and used coca plants. The leaves are offered to the earth goddess Pachamama and
the sun god Inti. The leaves are also used in religious rituals and traditional
medicine. Unfortunately for the Aymara, the war on drugs has led to attempts to
eradicate coca, which is used to make cocaine. The importance of coca to the
Aymara has made this a fractious issue. Coca is now a common symbol, a way for
Aymara to connect with their culture and traditions.
Today, the Aymara seek greater power
through political means. Aymara have been involved in numerous organizations,
and many seek to establish an autonomous state named Collasuyu. Perhaps the
best known of the Aymara is Evo Morales, who won the presidency in 2005 with a
massive majority.
Flag of the Aymara.
Aymara women showing traditional dress.
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