Symbolic arrangement and communication in the despacho
The thesis investigates the content and composition of the despacho, the ritual offering used to propitiate principal earth deities in the Bolivian mining town of Oruro (Department of Oruro). The despacho is also designed to increase suerte which is viewed not only in terms of material fortune, but also personal well-being and harmony with the cosmos. The concepts and terminology of the despacho are discussed, as well as the different types of despacho used, and particular features of their content, composition and presentation. The first part of the thesis shows how the content and arrangement of the despacho constitute a symbolic language, communicating what is important about suerte, and creating a miniature picture of life on earth in all its abundance. The despachoâs symbolic language is particularly meaningful in terms of suerte and the Quechua and Aymara peoplesâ worldview. The second part of the thesis investigates the use of six different curing mesas used in a ritual ceremony to restore suerte following a coca divination ceremony. Both ceremonies were performed by an Aymara ritual specialist from a village south of Oruro. The content and function of each mesa is discussed, and I show how the
Armstrong, Gweneth
Cultural history of Bolivia
Symbolic arrangement and communication in the despacho. The thesis investigates the content and composition of the despacho, the ritual offering used to propitiate principal earth deities in the Bolivian mining town of Oruro (Department of Oruro). The despacho is also designed to increase suerte which is viewed not only in terms of material fortune, but also personal well-being and harmony with the cosmos. The concepts and terminology of the despacho are discussed, as well as the different types of despacho used, and particular features of their content, composition and presentation. The first part of the thesis shows how the content and arrangement of the despacho constitute a symbolic language, communicating what is important about suerte, and creating a miniature picture of life on earth in all its abundance. The despachoâs symbolic language is particularly meaningful in terms of suerte and the Quechua and Aymara peoplesâ worldview. The second part of the thesis investigates the use of six different curing mesas used in a ritual ceremony to restore suerte following a coca divination ceremony. Both ceremonies were performed by an Aymara ritual specialist from a village south of Oruro. The content and function of each mesa is discussed, and I show how the
symbolic arrangement communication investigates content composition ritual offering use principal earth deity mine town department also design increase view term material fortune also personal well_being harmony cosmos concept terminology discuss well different_type use particular feature content composition presentation first_part show content arrangement constitute symbolic language communicate important create miniature picture life earth abundance symbolic language particularly meaningful term people worldview second_part investigates use six_different cure use ritual ceremony restore follow divination ceremony ceremony perform ritual specialist village south content function discuss show