Articles tagged with: peru culture
Inca Art Forms
Inca art was practical. The Incas were an artistic people who used materials available to them in nature and blended them creating many artistic forms in utilitarian ways. Much of their artistic expression was used in everyday life and had a [intlink id="inca-religion" type="post"]religious meaning[/intlink]. Because they did not know science they had to attach powers to natural phenomena worshiping natural resources such as water streams or rocks, animals and almost anything related to nature and the best way to worship was to incorporate their best artistic creations in their offerings to the gods.
Culture of Peru
Peru’s culture is a set of beliefs, customs and way of life inherited from the native Inca and Spanish conquistadors and settlers. Immigrant groups such as Africans, Japanese, Chinese and Europeans have also contributed to the society, blend of cultures and ways in which Peruvians live. Whatever their ethnic background Peruvians agree on the importance of family and religion. In many cases generations of a family live together where the younger look after the elderly and help each other in difficult times.
Andean Music, the Music of the Incas
The Incas used one word “taqui” to describe dance, music and singing, though this word in Quechua means “song”. They did not differentiate among the three, they were strictly interconnected. Their music was pentatonic, based in the combination of five notes: re, fa, sol, la and do. Music reached through all the corners of the empire, social classes and activities. There were countless songs, tunes and dances which were related to most human activities and were represented by gestures, moves and costumes.
Folklore in Puno
Puno is considered the Folkloric Capital of Peru, there are more than 300 different local dances representing centuries old traditions inherited from the Incas and the colony. Folk dances and songs are accompanied by colorful costumes and masks to celebrate Catholic holidays or Inca celebrations related to the agricultural calendar. These celebrations are based on beliefs and myths of the relationship between men and god, to honor Andean gods, Catholic saints and the Virgin Mary.
The National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology and History
Location: Plaza Bolivar, Pueblo Libre, Lima.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Sunday and Holidays from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Admission: Adults S/.11.50. Student S/. 3.50. Children S/. 1
Telephone number: 51- 1 …
Museum of Art of Lima
Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) – Museum of Art of Lima
Location: Paseo Colon No. 125,
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Admission: S/6, Wednesdays free, Sunday S/3.
Telephone number: 423-4732
Web …
Inti Raymi, The Celebration of the Sun
In Quechua Inti means Sun and Raymi celebration. Inti Raymi is the celebration of the God Sun, the most venerated god in Inca religion. According to Inca tradition, Pachatutec, the first Inca, created the Inti Raymi to celebrate the winter solstice which marked the first day of the New Year in the Inca calendar. The winter solstice begins on June 21st but according to the Incas the sun stays in the same place until the 24th when it finally rises.
Society
Peru’s complex social system and its hierarchical values were inherited from colonial times and continue as guidelines and principles that regulate social and interpersonal behavior that have become part of the culture of Peru. Before the arrival of Europeans the territory was populated by Peru’s ethnic population known as Amerindians. Colonization brought slavery and the decline of the local population due to foreign diseases. Today Peru’s ethnic composition is mixed.
Food in Peru
Peruvian cuisine varies depending on where you are. Due to Peru’s ecological and climatic diversity the variety and supply of fresh produce is plentiful, there are many native Peruvian crops such as quinoa potato, kiwicha, cacao and beans. Peruvian cuisine has been influenced by a variety of cultures brought by the arrival of immigrants from Spain, Africa, Italy, Japan and China. One of the most influential immigrant community is the Chinese who produced one of the most popular Peruvian gastronomical creations, Chifa. Chifa is a fusion of Chinese food adapted to local ingredients and accompanied by a local cola drink, Inka Cola.
