Lecture Notes: The African Diaspora in Peru

Introduction

• Presenter: Fada
• Offers African Diaspora tours in various Latin American countries, including Peru.
• Encourages attendees to contact him for a black history tour in Peru.

Common Perceptions of Peru

• Famous for: Incas, Machu Picchu, alpacas, llamas, and guinea pigs.
• Often not associated with blackness despite the visible Afro-Peruvian presence in the national football team.

Afro-Peruvian Population

• Estimated up to 3 million people, about 10% of Peru's population.
• High concentrations in:
  • Lima and its neighboring districts like Lkl
  • Southern coast: regions of Chincha and Cañete
  • Northern region of Piura: Sanya and Yapatera

Historical Context

• Slave Trade (1503 - mid-1800s):

  • Enslaved Africans were trafficked primarily to areas around Lima.
  • Worked in construction, domestic roles, and in plantations (cotton, vineyards).
  • Secret tunnels used to smuggle enslaved Africans and avoid taxes.

• Abolition of Slavery:

  • 1821: Freedom of the Womb - children born to enslaved mothers were free.
  • 1854: Complete abolition of slavery.

Notable Historical Figures

• San Martin de Porres (1579-1639):
  • Mixed-race, first afro-descendant saint in Latin America.
  • Known for supernatural abilities and patron of racial harmony.
  • Canonized in 1962.

Cultural Resurgence and Contributions

• 1950s onwards: Rise of black consciousness influenced by the US civil rights movement.
• Pioneers:

  • Nicómedes and Victoria Santa Cruz:

    • Created an afro-peruvian dance and theater collective.

  • Amador Ballumbrosio:

    • Preserved afro-peruvian songs and dances; family continues tradition.

  • Susana Baca:

    • Renowned afro-caribbean singer and former Minister of Culture.

Afro-Peruvian Culture

• Music & Dance:

  • Styles include festejo and zamacueca.
  • Instruments: cajita, quijada, cajón.

• Cuisine:

  • Dishes like anticucho (cow’s heart) and turrón (dessert).
  • Mama Iné: revered chef known as "mother of Peruvian cooking".

Modern Challenges and Progress

• 2009: Peruvian government’s formal apology to Afro-Peruvian community.

• Persistent issues of racism and lack of recognition for Afro-Peruvian culture.

• Annual Events:

  • Afro-Peruvian Day on June 4th.
  • Samus Familia event in December.

• Community Organizations:

  • Ashanti, Asocena, and Peruvian Rastafarian Society work on grassroots community efforts.

Youth and Cultural Pride

• Prominent Figures and Initiatives:
  • Bloggers, activists, and artists like Chica Afro, La Joya Negra, and Las Respondonas.
  • Efforts to foster cultural consciousness and pride among Peruvian Millennials.