Dioses y mercados de la fortuna

By Juan Carlos La Serna Salcedo

Book Description

In the highlands of Peru, ancient spiritual traditions continue to thrive through vibrant marketplace celebrations that bridge the sacred and commercial worlds. This ethnographic exploration delves into the fascinating phenomenon of alasitas fairs, where miniature objects carry profound ritual significance for Aymara communities throughout the Andean region.

During these remarkable gatherings, vendors offer tiny handcrafted replicas alongside both local artisanal goods and imported products, creating a unique fusion of spiritual practice and economic exchange. At the heart of these celebrations stands the ekeko, a powerful figure whose presence has shaped religious customs across the Peruvian altiplano for generations.

Through careful ethnohistorical research, the author traces the origins and evolution of these miniature fairs, revealing how they have gained increasing importance within the religious landscape of Puno throughout the twentieth century. The investigation follows the ritual journeys of these sacred objects from their historical roots to contemporary practice, illuminating how indigenous communities have maintained their spiritual connections while adapting to changing social and economic conditions.

This scholarly work offers readers insight into the complex relationship between faith, commerce, and cultural identity in Andean society. For those seeking to understand how traditional spiritual practices persist and transform in modern contexts, this study provides a compelling window into the enduring power of ritual to create meaning and community across generations.