Ayni = Reciprocidad Q'osqo (2009) is a collaborative video project created by Jennifer Zackin in partnership with Adolfo Ibanez Ayerve, Mariano Quispe Flores, Santiago Quispe Qhapaq, Benito Apaza Lunasco, Lorenzo Qhapaq Apaza, and Nicolas Flores Apaza.

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The video begins in the village of Charkapata in the Q'ero Nation and transitions to Tipón, an Inca water temple outside of Cusco, Peru. There, Don Mariano and his family perform a Despacho ceremony in honor of the completion of Hanaqpacha Intiq Sombran (The Mother Earth Sun Shadow in Quechua), an installation created collaboratively. The footage moves in and out of the Despacho ceremony, highlighting its key elements and aspects of traditional Andean life, including weaving, coca, llamas, alpacas, and dance.

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A Despacho ceremony is a ritual practice central to Andean spiritual traditions, strengthening harmony, reciprocity, and reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (sacred mountains). Andean priests, as keepers of ancient knowledge, conduct the Despacho as an offering to nourish the natural world and protect human life. This ceremonial art form serves as a microcosm representing all aspects of Andean existence and is comparable to the Tibetan Sand Mandala ritual.

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The collaboration between the artists extends beyond this project, fostering deep, ongoing relationships. For more information about Zackin’s ongoing residency project in Peru, Chokechaka - Click Here.