Nomadic Tribe

The Yampara community is organized by the ayllu system, which dates back thousands of years. This is a group of indigigenous communities that are unified politically, geographically, and ethnically. Today this basic system is still followed by some groups who want to preserve their original socio-political views. To manage community laws there is an administration of justice in each territory. The Jatun Juraja and Paqtachaymanta Kuraka are the original authorities which include senior members and former authority officials.

The traditional belief was the worship of ancestors and nature. Today religion is diverse with many of the Yampara community converting to Chisitanity after the Spanish colonization.

Dance and music are learned from an early age through watching performances and games, rather than being taught by adults. For big celebrations, such as Pullay and Avarichi, the large community network comes together to provide a feast of food and drink for everyone. For these occasions the women weave detailed costumes. The Yampara are also known for their traditional drink called Chicha which is sold in local shops called Chicherias.

Quechua and Aymara are the main languages spoken, however they also speak Spanish. The Yampara once spoke Pukina but this language is now extinct.

The Yampara are skilled in crafts and well-known for textiles and ceramics. They use strong, bold colored llama wool to create intricate patterns—the design and colors used are often unique to their group. Dance and music are an important aspect of community life and mostly performed at celebrations.

There are two main events important in the Yampara calendar. Both events relate to the seasons, one to celebrate the dry season and one to celebrate the wet season:

Pullay: This stunning annual cultural festival happens on the third Sunday in March to celebrate the renewal of life thanks to the rainy season. The Quechua word ‘Pullay’ means ‘game’ and celebrations centre around men performing music and dance, dressed in costume to summon Tata Pujllay, an energetic demonlike being.

Ayarichi: In this celebration of the dry season, the Yampara community dedicates dances to Catholic saints. The Yampara believe these saints control what happens socially and cosmically, as well as the preservation of life.