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The Antlers of a Trilemma: Rediscovering Andean Sacred Sites

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Earth Stewardship

Part of the book series: Ecology and Ethics ((ECET,volume 2))

Abstract

The zoomorphic metaphor of deer anatomy explains Andean identity as a coupled environmental system. This is a result of mystic realism or magic pragmatism, which often obscures participation of the local cultures of the Andes cordillera, particularly in (re)defining their Andean self with strong biocultural anchors. Just like the antlers, the trilemma of Andean identity exemplifies the need for a deeper understanding of the stewardship of ecological processes that has been molded to fit geographical and cultural demands of ancestral societies. Quechua traditional ecological knowledge serves as guiding principles to define and implement sacred sites in the region that cherishes its heritage landscapes. (Kichwa is the phonetic writing of ‘Quechua’ (in Peru) or ‘Quichua’ (in Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina), the language of the Andean people (runa simi). I avoid the hegemony of Castilianized words, as I support the recovery of local identity and the invigoration of vernacular culture, including the use of the non-written language of the Inka. In this text, I use italics to highlight the phonetic Kichwa alphabet, while Spanish terms appear inside single quotation marks for emphasis. Scientific names are also italicized.) The relationship of the triangular representation of cultural identity, associated with the binary concept of opposite values or Yanantin, and the driver that accentuates spiritual dimension or Masintin, the development of ritualized practices observing natural phenomena creates the wholeness among Andeanity, Andeaness, and Andeanitude. By explaining the syncretism observed in contemporary societies of the Andes Mountains, the creation, (re)creation and (pro)creation of harmonious implications between people and the environment are realized. Finally, to assess actual and potential contributions of the discourse in the sacred narrative of biodiversity conservation for Earth Stewardship, several sacred sites exemplify the application of the new trend for biocultural heritage as the driver for cultural landscape management and sustainability scenarios in the Andes.

“mallki, wak’a, apukuna, pakarina, machay, ushnu, tumi, waman, waylaka, yanantin, tinku, takanakuy, masintin, warachikuy, raymi, chakana, wiphala, tupak.

Too much to say, to few words to use. I rather vow to silence and meditate…”

     Don Segundo, Utawalu runa yachak (2013)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neotropical Montology Collaboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Fausto O. Sarmiento

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  1. Fausto O. Sarmiento
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Correspondence to Fausto O. Sarmiento .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA

    Ricardo Rozzi

  2. Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

    F. Stuart Chapin III

  3. Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA

    J. Baird Callicott

  4. Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, USA

    S.T.A. Pickett

  5. Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkley, California, USA

    Mary E. Power

  6. Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile

    Juan J. Armesto

  7. Departamento Ecuménico de Investigaciones (DEI), San Jose, Costa Rica

    Roy H. May Jr.

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Sarmiento, F.O. (2015). The Antlers of a Trilemma: Rediscovering Andean Sacred Sites. In: Rozzi, R., et al. Earth Stewardship. Ecology and Ethics, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12133-8_5

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