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.

Post #3: Aztec Masks

(PICTURE OF MASK TAKEN FROM MASK POWERPOINT)

This mask is a beautiful piece of art that evokes many feelings and tells quite a bit about the Aztec culture. Physically, the mask is made up of some sort of turquoise stone arranged in a mosaic pattern. The mask could possibly be made of jade, but I am not certain just by looking at the image. One extremely fascinating feature of this mask is that the eyes and teeth seem to be made of some light ceramic, polished material. In looking through the pictures of the mask, I noticed that some of them had actual human parts, such as teeth and skull parts, attached to the foundation of the mask. With this in mind, I assumed that the artist of this mask was also going for that same authentic effect, as by first glance, the teeth and eye whites look as though they are from the real parts of a human being. I think this represents the violent nature of the Aztec civilization. A civilization filled with wars and violence, it would seem as though these human extractions are from human sacrifices (possibly of war).
In a more interpretive sense, I feel as though this mask evokes very powerful emotions and feelings. To me, there is a certain sense of sadness in the eyes of the person that this mask represents. The eyes droop every so slightly and seem to peer at you when you look at them with a sense of fear or exhaustion (for whatever reason). At the same time however, the mask also radiates with the shine of the turquoise and ceramic qualities, which seems to evoke a sense of wealth and radiance and celebration. This mask could possibly be representing an Aztec deity, but I am not completely certain. The features of the mask are very realistic and seem to be a representation of a human figure, but that could also be varied into the supernatural spectrum. Overall, I think that this mask is a beautiful piece of Aztec art that evokes many feelings that can vary based on how you look at the piece as well as based on your own personal beliefs of what the artist was trying to convey with the mask.

Post #2: The Mayan Way of Life

I think it is amazing that the Mayan people have tried to maintain a similar, peaceful way of life as they have been doing for generations. I admire the strength of these people and the courage that they have, because unfortunately, society has forced them to be cautious with expressing their cultural identities and living the way that they truly desire.
Mayans today face many problems concerning the government, rebel groups, and society in general. Certain people seem to be aimed at destroying the way of life that the Mayans have worked so hard to maintain, which is extremely tragic. It is horrible that what once was an amazing ancient civilization filled with culture and reverence has now come to what the contemporary Mayans face today.
Many organizations, including the Mexican government and various revel organizations have been attacking the Mayans and their identities. The Mayans are still looked at as "dirty," " stupid" "indians" who do not deserve to be respected. As a result, constant efforts (both violent and nonviolent) have been underway to ruin the Mayan way of life.
This racism and discrimination for the Mayans not only causes violence and physical distraught, but also effects every aspect of these people's day to day lives. It is difficult for these people to get study jobs, maintain stable living situations, or even simply be able to wear what they desire (certain attire can reveal their Mayan roots).
It is ridiculous that all this discrimination has stemmed from the racism from the Spaniards in Ancient Mayan times. This situation just proves how strong racism and the concept of identity and representation can pertain through time. People should not be judged because of their ancestral roots or their skin color. The remedy for this sort of issue is a slow and taxing process.
In examining this issue further, I believe the only remedy to this issue is to, like many have been trying to do already, change the perception and image of the Mayans to others in society. This seems to be an extremely difficult and taxing process that would take years and years and years to even start to make concrete changes for. Political reform is needed, along with a general change of spirit concerning the Mayans. I admire people like Rigoberta Menchu, because it is that sort of bravery and courage to expose all that the Mayans have endured to the mainstream world that will start to make a difference and change the situation. In an ideal world, the Mayans will be looked at by all as the amazing and unique individuals they are, and will be able to celebrate their ancient Mayan ancestors with pride and freedom.

Post #1: The Latin American Experience

I would say that the only strong bond I have to Latin American culture is the fact that I took Spanish class for about 7 years. It has always been one of my most interesting subjects, and although I struggled a bit in the technical spectrum of the language, I always thought the culture lessons were the most interesting. In fact, I took an elective class last year simply about current events in Latin America, which taught me a lot about the various issues facing the various countries there. I would really like to visit Belize, as it seems like a hidden gem of gorgeous beaches, scenery, and history. I would also really like to visit the more local and culture driven areas of Mexico, as the only places that I have been are tourist beach areas. When I think of Mexico, some things that come to mind are the Dia de los Muertos, Frida Kahlo, the war on drugs, and weirdly enough, chicharrónes. This list my no means is all that comes to mind when I think of Mexico, but its just a couple of random concepts that come to mind. I remember constantly learning about Dia de los Muertos in elementary school, and learning about how the masks etc... where meant to scare the demons or ghosts away. I remember learning about how each family set up memorials for their loved ones with candles on that day to commemorate them. I also think of Frida Kahlo because I learned about her both in my Spanish and various history classes. She was an artistic icon in Mexico and her art is often remembered and displayed even today. The war on drugs is also something I think about a lot in Mexico because its such an enormous and significant issue in the current world. This an extremely sensitive and constant issue throughout many areas in Central America, one that they are working hard to resolve. I also just had to add that I think of Chicharrónes when I think of Mexico, simply because its something that I just remember from my elementary school Spanish lessons. It is a pork rind snack that is popular in places such as Mexico and Spain. Latin American culture is something that is interesting to me and I am excited to be able to learn more about it.