The World Folklore Day —introduced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)— is celebrated worldwide on August 22. With this in mind, this article examines the Peruvian dances inscribed on
UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Folklore is the authentic expression of a people that embraces its traditions, legends, customs, music, dances, among other expressions that distinguish one culture from another.
UNESCO proclaimed that World Folklore Day be celebrated every August 22 to commemorate the day when the British scholar William G. Thoms coined the word "folklore" in a letter to the journal Athenaeum.
Bearing all this in mind, this article examines Peru's regional dances that have been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
'Hatajo de Negritos' and 'Hatajo de Pallitas' (Inscribed in 2019)
According to UNESCO, 'Hatajo de Negritos' and the 'Hatajo de Pallitas' —from the Peruvian south-central coastline— are two complementary expressions featuring music and singing as part of Christmas celebrations, hailing from the central region of Ica in Peru.
The expressions are biblical representations of the story of the visit of a group of shepherds to the new-born baby Jesus and the arrival of the Wise Men.
They combine pre-Hispanic Andean values with the European Catholicism and rhythmical inheritance of African descendants arriving in the Americas in colonial times. This complexity has allowed both expressions to become representations of the mestizo and afro-descendant identity of the region.
The dance of the 'negritos' is mostly performed by men to the tune of a long fiddle, along with singing, shoe-tapping dance, and bells. The dance of 'pallitas' is performed by women to the sound of the guitar or fiddle, accompanied by a 'zapateo' and singing.
They are taught to the younger generation from early childhood, with elders encouraging children to learn a large variety of Christmas carols, 'zapateo' rhythms, and dance sequences as a sign of devotion.
Scissors dance (Inscribed in 2010)
The scissors dance is performed by inhabitants of Quechua villages and communities in the south-central Andes of Peru, and now in urban settings. This competitive ritual dance is performed during dry months coinciding with the main phases of the agricultural calendar.
The scissors dance takes its name from the pair of polished iron rods, resembling scissors blades, wielded by each dancer in his right hand. Together with a violinist and a harpist, a dancer forms a cuadrilla (team) that represents a given village or community.
To perform, two or more cuadrillas face each other, and the dancers must strike the blades together in time to the rhythm of the accompanying musicians, while performing a choreographed duel of step-dancing, acrobatics, and increasingly demanding movements.
The competition or atipanakuy may last up to ten hours, and physical ability, quality of the instruments, and expertise of the accompanying musicians, are all evaluated to determine the winner.
The dancers wear outfits embroidered with golden fringes, multicolored sequins, and small mirrors, but while in costume are forbidden from entering churches because of the tradition that their abilities are the result of a pact with the devil. Regardless, the scissors dance has become a popular part of Catholic festivities.
Huaconada, ritual dance of Mito (Inscribed in 2010)
Huaconada is a ritual dance performed in the village of Mito in the province of Concepcion in the central Peruvian Andes. Every year, on the first three days of January, masked men known as huacones perform a choreographed series of dances in the center of the town.
The huacones represent the former council of elders, and they become the town's highest authority for the duration of Huaconada. The tronador (whip) they carry and their masks emphasize this role, the latter characterized by accentuated noses that evoke the beak of the condor, creature that represents the spirit of the sacred mountains.
The dance involves two types of huacones: elders who wear traditional costumes and finely-carved masks inspiring respect and fear; and modern huacones who wear colourful dress, their masks embodying terror, sadness or mockery.
During Huaconada, the modern huacones dance circumscribed steps around the elders, who have greater freedom to dance improvised movements because of their seniority. An orchestra plays different rhythms, beating out time on a small indigenous drum called a tinya.
Huaconada synthesizes distinctive elements from the Andes and Spain while incorporating new, modern elements. Only those of good conduct and moral integrity may become huacones. The dance is traditionally passed on from father to son, while clothing and masks are also inherited.
Wititi dance of the Colca Valley (Inscribed in 2015)
The Wititi dance of the Colca Valley is a traditional folk dance associated with the beginning of adult life. It takes the form of a courtship ritual and is typically performed by young people during religious festivities celebrated throughout the rainy season.
It is danced in troupes with rows of male and female couples performing a variety of steps to the beat of a band. Female dancers wear garments finely embroidered with colorful natural motifs and distinctive hats, while male dancers wear overlapping women's skirts, military shirts, slings, and strong hats.
The dance coincides with the beginning of the agricultural production cycle and symbolizes the renewal of nature and society. Besides, it consolidates social ties and strengthens cultural identity with villages in the Colca Valley competing to produce the best ensembles, thereby continuously renewing the dance while maintaining its traditional character.
The Wititi dance of the Colca Valley is learned through direct observation by youth and children in school, as well as at private family gatherings, such as christenings, birthdays, and weddings. At the national level, folk dance ensembles perform this dance as part of their repertoires.
(END) LZD/MAO/RMB
Published: 8/22/2021