Mountain of the Condor: Metaphor and Ritual in an Andean Ayllu by Joseph W. Bastien
227 pages, $31.95 list
0-88133-143-0
978-0-88133-143-1
Mountain of the Condor
Metaphor and Ritual in an Andean Ayllu
In midwestern Bolivia stands Kaata, a sacred mountain. In a thousand-year tradition, a small community of men and women diviners has lived on its slopes. The symbolism of Mt. Kaata and its rituals provide deep insight into Andean society. With a wonderful blend of personal narrative, rich description, and theoretical presentation, the author sheds new light on the previously misinterpreted Bolivian Indians and their ancient Andean religion, rich in symbolism and ritual.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction of an Ayllu
2. History of the Mountain
3. The Mountain Metaphor
4. New Earth
5. Birth Rituals
6. First Haircutting
7. Marriage and Mountain
8. The Healing Mountain
9. The River and the Misfortune Ritual
10. The Feast with the Dead
11. Conclusion