The video starts in the village of Charkapata in the Q'ero Nation and moves to Tipon an Inca Water Temple outside of Cusco, Peru. Here Don Mariano with his family are creating a Despacho in honor and celebration of finishing Hanaqpacha Intiq Sombran (The Mother Earth Sun Shadow in Quechua) an installation work we made together. The video moves in and out of the Despacho Ceremony to show some of the key elements central to the Despacho and their traditional lives; Weaving, Coca, Llamas, Alpacas and Dance. 

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A "Despacho Ceremony is a ritual process for the Andean people to strengthen their harmony, reciprocity & reverence for Pachamama (the mother land) and the Apus (mountains). The Andean Priest performs the Despacho Ceremony as they are the keepers of the ancient knowledge of the natural world. The Despacho is an offering meant to nourish the natural world and protect the human world. The Despacho is central to Andean Beliefs and is a microcosm representing every aspect of life in the Andes. It is a ceremonial art form similar to the Tibetan Sand Mandala Ritual.

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I’m super grateful for my relationship/s with my collaborators Mariano Quispe Flores, Santiago Quispe Qhapaq, Benito Apaza Lunasco, Lorenzo Qhapaq Apaza, and my godson Nicolas Flores Apaza. We continue to be friend’s, collaborators and god-families connected and engaged in each other lives. Don Mariano Quispe Flores, Santiago Quispe Qhapaq and Lorenzo Qhapag Apaza are coming to visit to teach and share their knowledge {post covid}. We’re so excited to introduce and welcome them to the Catskill Mountains.  Stay Tuned for more information...

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For more information about Jennifer and Adolfo's ongoing project Chokechaka Click Here