The Quechua are the original mountain highlands dwellers. Their traditions and beliefs have survives Inca domination, Spanish conquests, and the beginning influences of modern technology. Throughout the region, Quechua is the first language spoken and traditional costumes are still woven on backstrap looms and worn at the markets. Many Quechua make their living by farming maize and coca in the valleys or potatoes and quinoa in the higher altitudes, while other families herd llamas and alpacas on the cold windy Puna.
Walk through the narrow, coobbled streets of any village and you'll spot Quechua men by the large, patterned, fringed ponchos draped over their shoulders, their heads topped by matching tasseled cloths beneath big, cone-shape, felt hats. Knee-length pants are held uo with a wide, woven belt that often has a local motif - such as the famous mountain train. Despite the cold, men usually wear rubber sandals, often fashioned from old tires.
Quechua women´s attire is equally bright, with modern knit sweaters and a flouncing, patterned skirt over several petticoats (added for both warmth and puff). Instead of a poncho, women wear an aguayo, a length of saronglike fabric that can be tied into a sling for carrying a baby or market goods, or wrapped around their shoulders for warmth. Hats for the women differ from village to village; some wear black-felt caps with neon fringe and elaborate patterns of sequins and beads, whereas others wear a plain brown-felt derby. Women also wear rubber sandals for walking and working in the fields, but often go barefoot at home.
The Morochuco are a unique group of formely nomadic Quechua who live near Ayacucho on the Pampas de Cangallo. They have light skin and blue eyes, and , unlike other Quechua, many Morochuco men wear beards. Cattle breeding and horse training are the main occupations. Renowned for their fearlessness and strenght, the Morochuco fought for Peru´s independence on horseback with Simón BolÃvar, and local lore has it that they are the descendents of the army of Diego de Almagro, a Spanish hero killed by Pizarro.
The Morochuco are first-rate horseback riders-women and children included-who use their swiftness and agility to round up bulls on the highland pampas. Women ride in long skirts and petticoats, whereas men don thick wool tights and dark ponchos. Both men and women wear chullos, a wool hat with ear flaps, beneath a felt hat tied under the chin with a red sash.
Walk through the narrow, coobbled streets of any village and you'll spot Quechua men by the large, patterned, fringed ponchos draped over their shoulders, their heads topped by matching tasseled cloths beneath big, cone-shape, felt hats. Knee-length pants are held uo with a wide, woven belt that often has a local motif - such as the famous mountain train. Despite the cold, men usually wear rubber sandals, often fashioned from old tires.
Quechua women´s attire is equally bright, with modern knit sweaters and a flouncing, patterned skirt over several petticoats (added for both warmth and puff). Instead of a poncho, women wear an aguayo, a length of saronglike fabric that can be tied into a sling for carrying a baby or market goods, or wrapped around their shoulders for warmth. Hats for the women differ from village to village; some wear black-felt caps with neon fringe and elaborate patterns of sequins and beads, whereas others wear a plain brown-felt derby. Women also wear rubber sandals for walking and working in the fields, but often go barefoot at home.
The Morochuco are a unique group of formely nomadic Quechua who live near Ayacucho on the Pampas de Cangallo. They have light skin and blue eyes, and , unlike other Quechua, many Morochuco men wear beards. Cattle breeding and horse training are the main occupations. Renowned for their fearlessness and strenght, the Morochuco fought for Peru´s independence on horseback with Simón BolÃvar, and local lore has it that they are the descendents of the army of Diego de Almagro, a Spanish hero killed by Pizarro.
The Morochuco are first-rate horseback riders-women and children included-who use their swiftness and agility to round up bulls on the highland pampas. Women ride in long skirts and petticoats, whereas men don thick wool tights and dark ponchos. Both men and women wear chullos, a wool hat with ear flaps, beneath a felt hat tied under the chin with a red sash.
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