Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
POLITICAL & SOCIAL CHANGE
Until recently Bolivia's indigenous groups have lacked a significant pol- itical voice,
though they make up the majority of the nation's poor. With the election of Evo Morales,
and a new constitution that grants expanded rights to indigenous groups and establishes
Bolivia as a plurinational and secular state, the role of indigenous peoples in the nation's
economy and policy is rapidly evolving. Nowadays there are numerous high-level indigen-
ous ministers and technocrats, many of whom came from humble beginnings. This new
awareness is creating a growing sense of pride within indigenous communities, where
centuries-old traditions of terrace farming, respect for the land and communal decision
making still play a strong role in everyday life, as do satellite TVs, cell phones, trucks, new
rural schools, westernized dress and changing artistic, musical and political attitudes.
For centuries, women of indigenous descent
who lived in the cities were known as
cholas
.
Today, many consider this term to be derogat-
ory, and some now go with the politically cor-
rect
mestiza
moniker. The only problem is that
mestizo/a
also describes people of mixed Span-
ish and indigenous descent.
Indígenas
is a com-
monly accepted term for indi- genous peoples,
as are the simpler and more effective
gente
(people),
persona
(person),
ser humano
(human being).
Visitors to indigenous communities, especially in the Altiplano where communities are
particularly wary of outsiders, may be turned off by the aloofness and insular nature of
these people. But keep in mind that Bolivia has lived under a highly structured, hierarchical
societal framework since the rise of Tiwanaku and that your visit is but a distraction from
the daily chores of survival. Many indigenous communities are slowly embracing tourism
and a stay in places such as Curahuara de Carangas can provide a unique introduction to
these communities.
The Aymará and Quechua spiritual worlds embrace
three levels: Alajpacha (the world above or eternal
sky, representing light and life); Akapacha (located
between the sky and hell, and between life and
death); and Mankapacha (located below, symboliz-
ing death and obscurity).
BOLIVIA'S INDIGENOUS GROUPS
It's impossible to capture the remarkable linguistic, artistic and spiritual traditions of Bolivia's myriad ethnic groups
in just a few words, but here's an overview.
