The Aymara mythology is full of myths and superstitions that mark its history, the animal influence and idols emphasize its cosmology
Aymara Mythology
The Aymara mythology comes from an indigenous people that settled in the high plains of all the territory that belongs to the Andes mountain range. Currently known as Bolivia.
Their homes were formed in these plains at more than 3700 meters above sea level; the Aymara had a more cosmological than scientific vision of the creation of the world.
Although there are no existing records of any Aymara legend that explains their version of the creation of the world, it is certain that they believed that the world already existed without any scientific explanation of any kind and was just being formed.
Nowadays, there are different indigenous ethnic groups that are descendants of the Aymara; especially located in countries such as Chile, Peru and Bolivia. Even in some cities the Aymara language still predominates in conjunction with the Spanish language.
History of Aymara mythology
To understand the history of Aymara mythology, it is necessary to describe the 5 ages that comprise the Aymara world. These represent the transition from its origins until after colonization.
Age of darkness
It begins with the origin of everything that exists; when the creator god Thunupa, also called Wiracocha comes out of Lake Titicaca. He creates the world, but it is a chaotic world where evil reigns and is submerged in darkness.
Human beings exist, but they are savage and primitive. They have no culture and nature is wild. This stage of history lasted 2142 years, making it the oldest period of Andean history.
During the age of darkness the first men were attacked by giant and monstrous creatures created by the evil genius. Also in this period it is believed that men coexisted with mystical beings; and began to discover the use of some plants and vegetables.
The Taypi Age
There are still no exact records of this period, for example, it is not known how long it lasted. But there are indications that it was also dominated by the creator god Thunupa. He was a very wise man who dominated all the languages existing at that time. Thunupa emerges from Lake Titicaca and runs through the entire Aymara territory to the south.
On his way, Thunupa is doing a lot of miracles for those who accepted his message of love and morality; and punishing all those who ignored him in his path. During this period Thunupa with his powers destroys the genius of evil; and with it he devastates all the wild human beings under his reign of evil and turns them into stone.
He brings enlightenment to the world by driving away the darkness, restores order and creates a new civilization; thus rebirthing the Andean civilization throughout its territory. After creating the new humanity, Thunupa teaches them everything they need to prosper; teaching them culture, engineering, agriculture, among others.
This period culminates with the death of Thunupa, who was seduced by mermaids in the Copacabana area; his body vanished in Lake Titicaca and he swore to return one day.
The Puruma age
During this period, man has already improved his housing and agriculture. It is already a more organized civilization and the management of livestock begins. It lasted approximately 1100 years.
Prosperity reigns among men and they reproduce until reaching such a high number of population; which causes men to start migrating to other areas such as valleys and plains. However, this growing population brought as a consequence the struggle to delimit the territories.
For this reason, during this period, political positions arose, where political posts were created. They were formed by the so-called “ayllus” and the kings. After limiting each territory, they chose a leader who was the king and he dictated laws that were enforced.
In the Puruma age, people adapted to the laws dictated by their kings, living in harmony and prosperity. But the territorial struggle led them to countless wars for land, where as a result of the casualties and epidemics that broke out, the population decreased considerably.
The awka runa age, Pachakuti.
It is famous for being considered the age of wars, it lasted 2100 years. There were so many wars that started during the Puruma age, that during the awka runa age they were accentuated; even reaching the level of a general war between all the territories.
All the population that was located in the plains and valleys, were forced to abandon their homes and flee to the highlands. Where they took refuge building new houses surrounded by walls and fortresses for their protection.
The warriors were brave and strong, in this period the creation of weapons of attack and defense was developed much more. The most outstanding were renowned for powerful animals; and the bravest warriors even tore out the heart of their victims to devour it, and thus demonstrate their courage.
In spite of the great wars, this period was one of great abundance; thanks to this there was no famine and many customs were established and laws prevailed. There were no bad habits such as laziness, greed, adultery, among others. Justice, wisdom, health and morality prevailed.
Cosmology in this period was already studied by philosophers and astronomers who emerged among the population; they interpreted the stars and predicted the arrival of storms and the most convenient times for sowing and harvesting.
The awka runa age is defined as the period of confrontation between good and evil, because it was the period of territorial wars for the entire population throughout the Andean world.
The inka runa age
This period marks the end of the civilization process; it lasted 1500 years. After all the processes that have taken place through all the previous periods until reaching the Inka Runa Age, they allowed the creation of the Aymara culture.
The inka runa age is considered as the golden age of Andean history; in this stage the values and virtues of the Andean people formed after the wars, migrations and colonization process are strengthened.
Man becomes a worker, lives in abundance and prosperity; they achieve social stability, food organization, health, housing, among others. The coexistence between men, mystical beings, spirits, animals and demons is constituted.
After this last stage of the history and creation of the Aymara world, the time of the Spanish conquest arrived. Making the Andean people unite to secure their territory and defend their beliefs and customs that they have since the time of creation.
Cosmology of the Aymara Mythology
The Aymaras were noted for developing very extensively their mythology, folklore and their religion which had a great cosmovision. Their beliefs were mainly centered on nature spirits and mountains.
Their main deities are: Pachamama, goddess of the earth; and Inti, god of the sun. Most of the rituals and dances of the Aymara are inspired by these deities, even today they are still preserved in their traditions.
Aymara cosmology is centered on the study and worship of the stars and nature. Their way of life revolved around the stars; thanks to the study of the stars they could reveal the actions and decisions they made in their daily lives.
The Aymara believed that the stars could tell them what to do in their lives; the rules they should follow, the times of planting, harvesting, migration, health, cause of diseases, among others … as well as explain the natural phenomena that occurred as eclipses, comets, storms, winds, etc..
Gods of the Aymara mythology
Thunupa
Also called “Wiracocha”, is the maximum deity of the Aymara mythology. He is the god of creation and protector of humanity, he is considered the god of the sun. Currently there is very little information on everything related to this god, because with the arrival of the Spanish colonizers tried to erase all traces of him.
However, despite all attempts to erase the records of Thunupa and his influence in the Aymara mythology, there are traces of his presence and achievements in the minds of the Aymara and their customs.
Pachamama
The second most important deity in Aymara mythology, she is the goddess of the earth and fertility. She is also represented as the goddess of agriculture, as she provides mankind with fruits and protects the crops.
She is the mother of all Andean territories, especially of the Aymara domains. Despite being the mother of the earth, the Aymaras believed that what comprised the uncultivated lands and deserts did not belong to her domain; other deities reigned in those abandoned lands.
Other deities and mystical beings
- Wari: god of the cattle, he is in charge of taking care of the herds.
- Waira: he is the god of the wind, he helps in the sowing by keeping away the hail and bringing rain.
- Achachilas: they called this way to the eternal sacred elders; and also to refer to some snowy mountains that were sacred places of their ancient gods.
- Supaya: he was not a god, but rather a genie. He had both sexes and represented good and evil.
- Khunu: is the god of snow. He provides the highest mountains with snow and keeps them frozen throughout the year, so that later that snow melts forming rivers and lakes full of life and nutrients for mankind.
- Mallku-Kunturi: also called Khunutura, which means brother of the snow. He is the messenger of the Achachilas; god of the heights, his flight has the power to forecast to the Aymara the present and the future.
- Illapa: he is also called “lightning”, since he is considered the god of storms. The load of his lightning provides the earth with nutrients.
- Eqeko: also called Ekako, he is the god of abundance. His function is to multiply everything he touches or is entrusted with.
- Anchancho: also known by the name of sajra; they are evil genies that the entire Aymara population fears.
- The mama quta: she is a good and protective goddess, she is found in the seas and lakes.
- Pakarina: this is the name given to the good spirits that protect the Aymara communities, they are found mainly in the caves and lakes where the first Aymara originally settled.
- The snake: the Aymaras also called it “Katari”; it was a giant, monstrous and evil snake. It threw fire from its mouth, and had supernatural powers. It lived in the depths of the earth and its movements caused earthquakes that caused catastrophes. This is due to their threat against civilized order.
- Wak’a: this was the name given to sites and objects that were sacred and used for rituals.
- Illa: was the name given to the different amulets or talismans created by the Aymaras and believed to have supernatural powers. They were made of different materials, such as metal, bone, wood, stone, clay, etc. …. and had different functions: luck, love, health, life, among others.
Idols of the Aymara mythology
The idols were mostly represented by Aymara ancestors and heroes; however, there is also evidence of animal idols. But they were different depending on each geographical area; those who were close to rivers and lakes, their idol was the fish, in the valleys the puma and so on throughout the territory.
It was also very common and important to worship the stars and all the astronomical phenomena that happened. This had a significant influence on their religion, customs and lifestyle.
Superstitions in Aymara Mythology
Superstitions arrived to the Aymara culture with the Spanish colonizers. With the influence of the experiences of colonization there was a deviation of the rites; so much so that it reached the point of falling into the belief of bewitchments and superstitions among the community.
Four centuries have passed, and even the Aymara Indians are still trapped in these superstitions born at that time; however, today the practices of these rituals reflect the good intentions of the ancestors and their original beliefs.
Animal Influence in Aymara Mythology
For the Aymara the way to approach their soul to the sacred world where everything inexplicable is, it is necessary to do it through the animal world. For the souls of animals are the purest and represent courage, elegance, nobility, loyalty, bravery and perseverance.
The condor is the most admired animal, because its flight and attitude reflect greatness, freedom and power. In the Aymara mythology not only the animal world influences, but all of nature in their culture; the wind, the waters, the earth, the fire, the sky, everything that exists.
Fetishism in Aymara mythology
Like all people in transition, for the Aymara, fetishism appeared in this stage of their history. Passing through the minds of those interesting men who had. All the events and events of mystery resulted in phenomena that wounded the imagination and the point of view of men.
It called the attention of these Aymara men, everything inexplicable from the existence of things to the natural manifestations they witnessed, whose origin they could not explain.
Ancestors of the Aymara mythology
For the Aymaras, their ancestors represent the most essential part of their beliefs. Through time and history up to the present, they have created cults and tributes to those characters that greatly influenced their formation, passed from generation to generation. Among them sages, heroes, conquerors, founders, among others.
Customs of the Aymara mythology
The Aymara had a great variety of customs throughout their history; although not all of these customs have survived today, the most important ones still predominate in the Aymara descendant population.
Among their best known customs we have:
- When criminals died they were abandoned in the domains of Puma, because their condition did not make them worthy of being buried in the mother earth.
- No one was allowed to get drunk on any given day without any reason for an important celebration.
- There was no theft, it was customary to help each other during the planting season.
- All those who showed signs of idleness were to be expropriated of all their belongings. Thus, when they were in need, they would be forced to work constantly.
- Every child, at the beginning of his youth, participated in the training and sports that took place in the stadiums to be exercised.
- All the youngsters who did not succeed in the exercise sports, were destined to community work.
Legend of Supay: demon of the Aymara mythology
It is the most renowned legend in Aymara mythology, Supay was considered the maximum representation of evil and came from Uku Pacha; the world of the dead. The villagers made deals with this demon, since they knew that if they could do it intelligently Supay could even be generous.
This generosity presented by Supay was due to the fact that his reactions were linked to his temperament or to the sympathy he felt for the person who had invoked him. In the XVI century, when the Spaniards arrived in the territory of the Aymara, they brought with them the Catholic religion.
The priests of the Catholic Church, began their war against idolatry; provoking the destruction of all their temples and idols which they considered pagan. Also of course to eliminate all the spirits they worshipped.
They instilled among the entire population that these spirits were linked to evil, but especially Supay who had the most followers among the population. To put an end to this, they related him to evil; placing Supay as the personification of the devil.
The priests thus initiated a great defamation campaign against Supay, where they not only granted him evil powers, but also transformed his image. They described him as a monster with horns and a tail; and attached to him the habit of eating people and devouring their souls.
This caused some areas to become so afraid of him that they did not even dare to name him. Thus forcing the population to convert them into Christians. Although the church managed to eradicate much of the worship of Supay sowing fear in the population, some even to this day continue to invoke him for protection.
Cults of the Aymara mythology
Ancestor worship
Before the formation of the Aymara people, their ancestors performed pagan activities. They worshipped not only nature but all forms of life in its different mysterious expressions and cosmic manifestations. The sun was considered the source of the way, and the starting point for the cults of the Aymara ancestors.
Cult of the dead
It was the way of expressing the Aymara people’s view of their vision of the afterlife. These cults preserved the survival of the spirit and even helped reincarnation. At death the body is buried in the mother earth, where the spirit leaves it and needs a cult.
It was not necessary to research or search for records about this type of cults, since even to this day it has been practiced by the majority of the Aymara population. Preserving its original mysterious forms.
Sun Cult
The cults to the sun god Inti were very important for the Aymara. It was believed that worshiping the sun made men highlight their ethical and religious aspect. He was considered the creator god and father of the earth and his children messengers of his power to help humanity.
Cult of the earth
The cults in adoration to the goddess Pachamama, goddess of the earth are innumerable. She is the representation of all that exists and dominates all Aymara territories. She has powers and is merciful.
There were many offerings to Pachamama in the rituals in her honor, some of them were: the first fish, the first flower of communion, the first drops of blood in every sacrifice, among others. Pachamama thanked these offerings by bestowing thousands of blessings on the Aymara people.
The songs and prayers made to the goddess of the earth were improvised according to the situation experienced; the death of a loved one, prayers, petitions, protection, help, etc. This cult symbolizes the generosity of mother earth towards men to fill them with blessings.
Music and dances in the Aymara Mythology
Music
Music is a fundamental part of Aymara mythology. Over the years in the excavations made in their domains, a great variety of musical instruments belonging to the Aymara have been found.
According to the accounts of the Spanish colonizers, music was an essential element that was present in the daily life of the Aymara and also in their different rituals. Even today, music continues to play a very important role in the Aymara descendants; it has an important symbolic meaning among the Aymara society.
One of the most important festivities was the carnival, music was fundamental and was listened to for four days and four nights non-stop. The Aymara loved this festivity and held competitions to determine who were the most outrageous singers among them
However, in spite of all these festivities, most of the songs of the Aymaras were dedicated especially to their gods; the Aymaras believed that they were actually prayers sung for their gods. The most prominent musical instruments of the Aymaras were the panpipes and the charangos; which was an instrument similar to the mandolin
Dances
Their dances stand out for being so colorful and full of joy, no matter the occasion. They performed them with typical traditional costumes; they were very beautiful and full of symbols and characteristic elements of their culture.
There were different motives for which the Aymara performed these dances and music; on some occasions they dedicated them to the war and the heroes that stood out in them, others to worship their gods and even to thank them for the blessings given to their lands.
The dances during the celebration of the carnival are expressed in different ways; they made dance wheels, alone, in pairs or even in orchestras. The “Sarawja”, was another traditional dance that was performed during the Christmas and Easter festivities.
They also wear traditional costumes and their songs are improvised. The men play the musical instruments and the women sing and dance. Another of the most common festivities were “las peñas”, usually held in rural areas and they simply gathered in their huts to sing and dance while enjoying traditional food.
Conclusion
The Aymara were an indigenous people who dominated the high Andean plains between the XV and XVI centuries; despite the great Inka influence and then the Spanish, they managed to preserve much of their traditions, language and cosmology.
They had a different vision than the rest of the world about the creation of the world; they believed that there was no scientific explanation for it. Aymara mythology centers its vision on the existence of mythical beings, symbolic animals, inexplicable events and phenomena, powers, among others.
The Aymara have their own religion and beliefs in a world that was already planned; their mythology is based on symbols, supernatural forces and natural phenomena created by their gods that come from the stars.