Lecture Notes: Takanakuy in the Peruvian Andes

Introduction

• Presenter: Thomas Morton
• Location: Peruvian Andes, Province of Chumbivilcas
• Event: Takanakuy - Annual mass brawl occurring at Christmas
  • Purpose: To settle grievances accumulated over the year
  • Comparison: Described humorously as a "bloodier" Yom Kippur

Geographic and Cultural Context

• Chumbivilcas
  • Remote, located in the Andes
  • 10-hour drive from nearest city
  • Lacks police, government services
  • Population primarily indigenous (descendants of the Chanka)
  • Language: Many speak Quechua vs. Spanish

Event Description

• Pre-Fight Festivities
  • Week-long parade, music, and dancing
  • Participants: Local men in costumes
  • Music: Traditional huaylia, focused on rebellion themes
  • Costumes: Five basic characters
    • Majeno, Qarawatanna, Negro, Langosta, Q’ara Gallo
  • Traditional mask usage to hide identity

The Fight

• Takanakuy Ring:
  • Inclusive participation: men, women, children
  • Fighting rules: No biting, hair pulling or hitting on the ground
  • Use of whips by officials for crowd control

Personal Experience

• Thomas Morton's Involvement
  • Participated in festivities and dressed in costume
  • Witnessed fights in Santo Tomas and Llique
  • Engaged in a fight himself, despite lack of preparation

Societal Impact

• Takanakuy as Justice
  • Quick and immediate dispute resolution
  • Social acceptance post-fight, fostering community
• Cultural Significance
  • An embodiment of local defiance and cultural identity
  • Seen as rural and backward by other Peruvians

Conclusion

• Personal Reflection
  • Takanakuy offers a unique form of community justice
  • Provides cultural entertainment and communal bonding
  • Alternative to traditional legal proceedings

Additional Notes

• History
  • Possible origin: Tied to either Incan or colonial Spanish traditions
• Future Events
  • Next Takanakuy in Llique: More intense fights
  • Personal plan to fight again