Indigenous communities in the Andes engage in relationships based on ayni, or ongoing cycles of reciprocity to exchange comparable work or goods. Ayni is a core value that has served generations of Andean people since pre-Inka times. Ayni helped the Inka accomplish monumental projects such as a system of water management for their vast empire and diversified agriculture to feed millions. Use the following sources featuring contemporary Andean cultures to investigate examples of ayni and how this concept is still relevant in Indigenous communities today.
Quechua people throughout the Andes proudly cherish their Inka heritage. Throughout the year festivals and celebrations that blend Inka and Catholic traditions fill towns, villages, and valleys with sound, movement, and color.
A dancer at a parade during the Corpus Christi festival, Cusco, Peru, 2014.
Dancers in a parade during the Corpus Christi festival, Cusco, Peru, 2014.
Dancers in a parade during the Corpus Christi festival, Cusco, Peru, 2014.
Honoring Inti, the sun, this Inka festival survives in many parts of the Andes, especially in Cusco. It occurs at the winter solstice (June in the Southern Hemisphere) and involves rituals, processions, colorful costumes, dancing and feasting.
The Shapa Inka’s wife on her throne, Inti Raymi procession, Cusco, Peru, 2014.
The Shapa Inka with his throne, Inti Raymi procession, Cusco, Peru, 2014.
Honoring the Pleiades, the constellation of stars that Andeans call Colca, this age-old festival unfolds on the slopes of Sinakara Mountain in the Peruvian Andes. Three days of music, dance, ritual, and pilgrimage mark the winter solstice and the Pleiades’ return to the night sky.
The Celebration of Light ceremony, Gorge of Intikawarina (Balcony of the Sun), 2000.
Q’oylluriti procession, Qolkepunku glacier, Sinakara Mountain, Peru, 2002.
Throughout the Andes, the spiritual world continues to pervade daily life. Rituals are performed to ask for blessing, protection, and healing. These modern objects, similar to those from Inka times, are still used in ceremonies and on long journeys.
Fernando Hugo Barragán Sandi (Quechua), panpipes, 2005–2007. Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Bamboo, yarn.
Central Andean bell, 1920–1950. Central highlands, Peru. Iron alloy.
Quechua bag for carrying seeds, amulets, and small items, 1950–1970. Sacana, Bolivia. Camelid wool.
Villages of Indigenous people are scattered throughout the Andes. In this rugged landscape, the age-old concept of ayni (reciprocity) is very much alive. Communities work together for the common good.
Women prepare a meal, Ampay, Peru, 2014.
Men and women work together to plant potatoes, Chawaytiri, Peru, 2010.
Quechua offering cloth, 1965–1970. Cusco region, Peru. Cotton, thread, dye.
The Qhapaq Ñan is still alive. Rural communities maintain portions of it, as they have since Inka times, in the spirit of ayni (reciprocity). A qollana (community leader) organized teams to do the work for the benefit of the entire community.
Making an offering to Pachamama and the apus after clearing the east flank trail at Machu Picchu, Peru, 1999.
Quechua authority staff, 1800–1960. Tambo, Ayacucho, Peru. Wood, silver.
Aymara staff with eagle effigy, 1800–1960. Bolivia. Chonta (black mahogany) wood, aluminum, copper alloy, iron alloy.
