I mentioned in my last post how I have depended on my senses to find meaning and understanding here in Otavalo. In other words, there is more to an experience than knowing exactly what everyone is saying with spoken language. In certain defining moments, with the right perspective, I have been able to, perhaps, experience something significant through various multi-sensory connections with the culture. As we round out our time in Otavalo (4 more days here!), I look back and realize that, like Andean culture, our itinerary here has been very fluid. For example, when we arrived at the Center, or Museo Viviente in Otavalo, on June 18th, we were welcomed with a evening of traditional Andean music. Within the next couple of days, we were not only learning the language of Kichwa, but we were learning how to create instruments native to indigenous ceremonies and sing songs in Kichwa. As I reflect on the past 10 days (days about which have yet to be blogged), I have been exposed to the value the music plays in defining, describing, and characterizing Andean tradition. It has been an ever-present source of engagement and increased participation in this culture for me personally, and by ever- present, I mean, the experiences here (including language learning) can usually, if not always be tied to the musical expression.
In this post, I am linking several samples of traditional Andean music as well as a glimpse into a few of our music workshops. As they say, music is a universal language, and the workshops where we have made our own instruments and then learned to play them have been some of my favorites! This first link shows one of the first chances we had to practice on our newly-designed
This bulleted list is what I have picked up on so far what I have heard, seen, read, and experienced throughout some of the workshops and festivals we’ve attended.
- Music is a means for the indigenous to continue moving forward while still maintaining their roots.
- Kichwa (language) can contribute to that movement when combined with music, but the experience of music isn’t about an exact translation. Experiencing the culture through music is a feeling, a sensation.
- Many indigenous people learn to play by ear and pass the music down like oral history. The music, as it is passed down is new each time (not repeated). This corresponds with the way of life of the Andeans as well.
- Several instruments and rhythms characterize the ceremonial Andean music which we have been exposed to in our short time here. The sounds include, but are not limited to: charango (a small guitar), pan pipes (click here to view one of our pan pipe lessons), melodía (I’m not sure of the kichwa word for this, but think of it like a combination keyboard/flute), Bolivian tarkas (wooden festival flutes), chakchas (goat’s hooves), quenas (recorder-like flute), bombo (Andean bass drum) and more!
During our first week, we learned how to play a panpipe and how to sing “Shuk Cuiquita,” and Andean song about an earthworm. Ana Cachimel, of Yarina, has been an amazing hostess this past week in Otavalo! Click the link below to listen to this lesson.
Our interaction with Andean music came full circle when we attended a concert of intercultural music- an ensemble of children, mestizo and indigenous alike, of the community of Otavalo at Museo Viviente Otavalango.
We attempted to learn this song on our pallas (pan pipes). If you look closely, you can see our music teacher, Ati, in the back playing in the orchestra!
I will post about Inti Raymi another day, but the link below represents a glimpse into these festivals, which are ongoing. They are allowing us to experience the unique heritage and identity of the musical traditions and rituals of the Andes.
Teaching the Andes 