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6.4
Andean Worldview and the Aymara Concept of
Jaqi
An important element of this traditional religiosity or spirituality is the concept of
complementarity, the basis of the Andean worldview, as illustrated in Fig.
6.2
.
Male- female pairing is the foundation of Aymara culture, because reciprocity,
duality, and complementarity form the defi ning principle of the Andean worldview
Fig. 6.2
The Aymara concept of person is multidimensional and complementary, especially
between feminine and masculine, natural and supernatural. Each dimension of life is mirrored by
a masculine or feminine supernatural protector or other spirit. The couple is paired with
Uywiri
or
the spirit protector grandmother, while the spirit protector grandfather
Kuntur mamani
keeps the
home safe; animals are enlivened by
Illa
, the feminine force of fecundity and the spirit of animals;
the underworld of subsoils and minerals is governed by the masculine divinity
Tío
;
Ispalla
is the
feminine divine protector of agricultural products especially potatoes and other tubers; upon dying,
one joins the “minor Gods”
Sullka diosaxtawa
and thus has a supernatural presence in the com-
munity; the masculine
Marani
provide spiritual guidance and protection for communities and
fi elds, deriving their power from the mountains; and
Qiju
protects the Aymara from inclement
weather (Adapted from Mamani-Bernabé (
2000
) )
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