SEKINO'S REPORT
THE PERUVIAN ANDES
The Peru Andes is in the center of the longest mountain range in the world, and it is where the unique culture of the Inca Empire flourished. The Spanish conquered and destroyed the Inca Empire and her precious cultural treasures. The aborigines were forced into harsh labor in the mines and farms run by the Spanish. Even after independence, these aborigines had no choice but to till the desolate highlands. However, even in these conditions there are many who preserve and are proud of their Inca traditions.

During the Inca Empire, the boys belonging to the aristocracy had to go through various trials in order to attain manhood. They had to master the use of weapons, pass a military skill test, and master the traditional handwork. They also had to go through the ordeal of living on just corn and water for 6 days. Lastly, the young men were brought together, divided into 2 camps, and went through a mock battle to test their courage. The rock-casting event is said to come from this mock battle.

It is not rare to have casualties. Those who die in the rock-casting battles are buried as heroes. When there is death, the blood is considered as sacrifice to the land goddess, Pachamama, and the people look forward to a fruitful harvest for that year.

CLICK ON SLIDES