Another grand week. So much done, seen. Inca ruins, more processions this Santa Semana, visit to the largest mercado, local food tasting, parcial participation in the apprehension of a thief, as well as participation in an Inca ritual involving burning cocoa leaves, plus amazing scenic memories.
But, will focus on the seven Inca sites visited. Despite many fond memories of American native structures in Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde and other locations, there is no comparison to the Inca construction. The skill displayed is incomprehensive. Massive stones, sometimes from distant locations, so perfectly quarried, cut, modified, sculpted, placed, that no adhesive is used nor needed. So perfectly fit that a knife blade cannot penetrate between. And not all are squared. Many have multiple sides, one in particular is famous for the twelve sides, each representing some Incan meaning. Yet, as if some great jig saw puzzle found on the tables at the senior center, all fit so neatly both in balance and shape to create massive walls, straight lines, withstanding centuries of earthquake prone tendency, which modern Peru cannot duplicate in strength nor structure. Some are placed not only for structural use, but also representation. See if you can find the duck in flight in the attached photos.
Built for varied purposes, ceremonial and religious ritual, commercial, military outlook and defense, noble or priestly residence. The location of these structures add to the impression. Many located on steep moutainside, layered on terraces climbing up the mountain. How was it done technically, how many people needed?
Many, particularly the ritual sites, have been engineered for water systems, from the numerous cascades in the area, with irrigation canals, fountains and baths for cleansing prior to entry. They still function perfectly without intervention. Simple, functional, beautiful. The sound of splash, the movement of wave within receptor, draws you, tempts you to put your feet under, but the guards watch. Yet, at one time, people gathered, cleansed, the entered for devotion to a variety of designees, almost all related to Pachumama – tierra madre.
Tantomachay, Pukapukara, Q’enqo, Saqsaywaman, Pisac,Ollantaytambo, Temple of the Son. All wonderfully different, impressive. I must say my favorite (Machu Pichu is in May) is Ollantaytambo. Immense coverage of the moutains and valley. The pueblo still occupies and lays over the same stone streets, and many of the walls stand as strong as centuries past. Too narrow for vehicles I can easily walk with the ghosts of the Incas. Hmmmm. I wonder. Would I have been king, noble, sacerdote (priest), artisan, or work in the fields, birds distant, water from the well aside.
We can make it, I know we can.
Only time will tell.
Let’s take a walk down to the water
Let’s go to the well.
Hear that low humming underground
Hear the skylark in the dell
While the world is sleeping
Let’s go to the well.
Sometimes my heart feels like a dandelion
Seeds scattered in a careless wind
Nothing to show for my life and time
But innocent wonder in the face of thunder
Feeling like something is about to begin.
1 comment:
I love the rhythm of these lines you wrote
The sound of splash, the movement of wave within receptor, draws you, tempts you to put your feet under, but the guards watch. Yet, at one time, people gathered, cleansed, the entered for devotion to a variety of designees, almost all related to Pachumama – tierra madre.
Also enjoy the lyrics included in your posts. It's interesting trying to identify who wrote them and experiencing music new to me.
Do you feel the pull to have Incan lineage? Do you feel at home in this culture or just in awe as an observer? Could you feel yourself an artisan carving stone for these majestic structures? Are you drawing yet or just taking it all in? Are you immersed in the language and culture yet or is that almost immediate for you? Questions, questions. Too many questions for the pace of Peru. Escusame por favor Wally. Bebí mucho café esta mañana. Adiós para ahora, mi amigo.
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