Andean Worldviews

Andean worldviews have changed many times over time, but they have always shared common themes. These 4 worldviews (common features) are: reciprocity, transformation, collectivity, and essence.
These four worldviews are fascinating in that they all have individualistic characteristics that reflect Andean culture and lifestyle.
Reciprocity basically emphasized the connectivity of the world, such as the smooth cycles of nature. Andean art in particular leans on this concept a lot, where many aspects in pieces connect, interlock, and mirror each other as if though they were all parts of a common wave.
Transformation also shares the concept of cycles in a person's existence. Andeans believed in transformations from one "state of being" to another and the general way that earth cycled in its natural processes. In art, many circular compositions were created to reflect this concept.
Collectivity basically shares the idea that the "whole" precedes its parts. This means that in Andean cultures, the group interests were more significant than those of the individual. Although Andean cultures tended to be quite hierarchical, the concept of the "common good" was one that became essential to everyone.
The concept of Collectivity ties in well with the last Andean worldview: essence. This Andean concept, often portrayed in art, dictated that the "inner core" often is more significant and meaningful than "outward appearance."
"Essence over appearance."
As I implied above, the Andean concept of "essence over appearance" states that the inner meaning of a piece of art or such can be much more meaningful that the physical appearance. I think that this concept is one of such beauty and significance.
Living in the current world of superficiality and appearances, it is refreshing to study this Andean concept. The concept that the physical appearance can mean little or nothing in comparison to the vast abstract meaning of the piece (of art). I think it is fascinating that to the Andean people, there is still deep meaning to a sacred image that could be placed in the pitch dark or could be impossible to comprehend whatsoever. The "essence" of the piece is much more important that what it actually looks like. The feeling that one feels when in the presence of the piece, and the individual tone that it resonates to each person makes this interpretation of art have infinite possibilities.