Tinku, traditional fighting in Bolivia

A project by Francesco Alesi & Jesper Klemedsson.

At 4,000 meters of altitude, in the Bolivian Andes, life is a constant struggle.

Here, descendants of the Incas still live from the fertile soil of the mountains. But it takes more than just ancient skills for to have a good harvest: according to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth (Pachamama) demands the sacrifice of human blood to be fertilized.

During thousands of years indigenous people have venerated Pachamama. Therefore, every year, in the beginning of May, the quechuas gather in the Potosi region of southern Bolivia for sacred fist fights during the Tinku ceremony.

Every drop of blood is seen as a sacrifice for the coming harvest. Every dead man is guarantee. Even to this day none is legally responsible if a death happens during the fights. The death is seen as a natural event.

According to some anthropologists Tinku, traditionally, was just a peaceful gathering between various local communities. It was after the Spanish colonization that Tinku was transformed into some sort of Roman circus where the indigenous population was forced to fight as entertainment for the Spanish.

The Tinku project is a collaborative work with my friend and collegue Jesper Klemedsson. Why did we shoot with mobile phones? Actually, me and Jesper were in Bolivia filming a documentary about Tinku published on Aljazeera.

Among cameras, tripods, microphones, headphones and stuff, if we had a free finger, we pushed the red dot on the smartphone, just to have a memoir of what we were doing. Watching at that photos before falling asleep in the night, we relized that with phones we were able to have a closer perspective of the story. So, we decided to take it seriously and that's how this project came out.

...

Published on Internazionale (Italy)

Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A landscape between Colquechaca and Pocoata at 4500mt above sea level. According to the people of the Andes, Pachamama – Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized. The Tinku festival is the traditional ritual to give her the blood.
Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A landscape between Colquechaca and Pocoata at 4500mt above sea level. According to the people of the Andes, Pachamama – Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized. The Tinku festival is the traditional ritual to give her the blood.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Women dancing in traditional campesino clothes. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Women dancing in traditional campesino clothes. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. The Police surrounds two fighters to avoid this single fight turning into a mass riot between different communities. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. The Police surrounds two fighters to avoid this single fight turning into a mass riot between different communities. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A fight is going on while a group of men watches. On the stairs of the church in the background, women have gathered to watch the fighting. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A fight is going on while a group of men watches. On the stairs of the church in the background, women have gathered to watch the fighting. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A mix of alcohol, vanity and eagerness to fight often turn single fight into huge riots between different communities. Cholitas from both side have the important role to divide the men and restore a peaceful festival. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A mix of alcohol, vanity and eagerness to fight often turn single fight into huge riots between different communities. Cholitas from both side have the important role to divide the men and restore a peaceful festival. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. The fight is over for this man. His blood that was spilled on the ground is supposed to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. The fight is over for this man. His blood that was spilled on the ground is supposed to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. The fight is over for this campesino. His blood that was spilled on the ground is supposed to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. The fight is over for this campesino. His blood that was spilled on the ground is supposed to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A fighter with his tattoo. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A fighter with his tattoo. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Lama blood and Mother Earth. To sacrifice a lama and drinking its blood is part of the tradition. Tinku is the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) when farmers ask for a good harvest through blood sacrifice.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Lama blood and Mother Earth. To sacrifice a lama and drinking its blood is part of the tradition. Tinku is the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) when farmers ask for a good harvest through blood sacrifice.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Every community celebrates Tinku playing traditional music and dancing. Each community elects a Pasante that leads the dance and the movements of his community. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Every community celebrates Tinku playing traditional music and dancing. Each community elects a Pasante that leads the dance and the movements of his community. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A mix of alcohol, vanity and eagerness to fight often turn single fight into huge riots between different communities. Sometimes these events end with stone throwing and people often get badly injured. Local authorities send dozens of Policemen to watch over the fighting. When the situation gets out of control, the police use tear gas and spice gas to clear the mess. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A mix of alcohol, vanity and eagerness to fight often turn single fight into huge riots between different communities. Sometimes these events end with stone throwing and people often get badly injured. Local authorities send dozens of Policemen to watch over the fighting. When the situation gets out of control, the police use tear gas and spice gas to clear the mess. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A mix of alcohol, vanity and eagerness to fight often turn single fight into huge riots between different communities. Sometimes these events end with stone throwing and people often get badly injured. Local authorities send dozens of Policemen to watch over the fighting. When the situation gets out of control, the police use tear gas and spice gas to clear the mess. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A mix of alcohol, vanity and eagerness to fight often turn single fight into huge riots between different communities. Sometimes these events end with stone throwing and people often get badly injured. Local authorities send dozens of Policemen to watch over the fighting. When the situation gets out of control, the police use tear gas and spice gas to clear the mess. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A mix of alcohol, vanity and eagerness to fight often turn single fight into huge riots between different communities. Sometimes these events end with stone throwing and people often get badly injured. Local authorities send dozens of Policemen to watch over the fighting. When the situation gets out of control, the police use tear gas and spice gas to clear the mess. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A mix of alcohol, vanity and eagerness to fight often turn single fight into huge riots between different communities. Sometimes these events end with stone throwing and people often get badly injured. Local authorities send dozens of Policemen to watch over the fighting. When the situation gets out of control, the police use tear gas and spice gas to clear the mess. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Probably too drunk to fight, this man lies passed out on the ground in Pocoata. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Probably too drunk to fight, this man lies passed out on the ground in Pocoata. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Kids and women also celebrate Tinku. They dance, sing and eat, always ready to support men whenever needed. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Kids and women also celebrate Tinku. They dance, sing and eat, always ready to support men whenever needed. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
acha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A man spit his blood just after a fight. The blood is supposed to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
acha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A man spit his blood just after a fight. The blood is supposed to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2013. A man walks away from a heavy fight. The blood is suppose to fertilizes the fields. As he was badly wounded, he needed medical treatment at the hospital. He is an exception because most of the fighters refuse to be treated in the hospital during the festival. If someone dies during Tinku it is a natural death and nobody is responsible legally. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2013. A man walks away from a heavy fight. The blood is suppose to fertilizes the fields. As he was badly wounded, he needed medical treatment at the hospital. He is an exception because most of the fighters refuse to be treated in the hospital during the festival. If someone dies during Tinku it is a natural death and nobody is responsible legally. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A woman stands at over 4000 metres in the Bolivian Andes. During Tinku most of the elderly people remain at home looking after their cattle. Tinku is a traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) where farmers ask for a good coming harvest through blood sacrifice.
Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A woman stands at over 4000 metres in the Bolivian Andes. During Tinku most of the elderly people remain at home looking after their cattle. Tinku is a traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) where farmers ask for a good coming harvest through blood sacrifice.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A lama is about to be sacrificed. Killing a lama and drinking its blood is part of the Tinku tradition. Tinku is a traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) where farmers ask for a good coming harvest through blood sacrifice.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A lama is about to be sacrificed. Killing a lama and drinking its blood is part of the Tinku tradition. Tinku is a traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) where farmers ask for a good coming harvest through blood sacrifice.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Three lamas have just been sacrificed to Pachamama. Killing a lama and drinking its blood is part of the Tinku tradition. Tinku is a traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) where farmers ask for a good coming harvest through blood sacrifice.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Three lamas have just been sacrificed to Pachamama. Killing a lama and drinking its blood is part of the Tinku tradition. Tinku is a traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) where farmers ask for a good coming harvest through blood sacrifice.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Killing a lama and drinking its blood is part of the Tinku tradition. Tinku is a traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) where farmers ask for a good coming harvest through blood sacrifice.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Killing a lama and drinking its blood is part of the Tinku tradition. Tinku is a traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) where farmers ask for a good coming harvest through blood sacrifice.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Human blood on the ground after some heavy fighting. This blood is suppose to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Human blood on the ground after some heavy fighting. This blood is suppose to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Kids and women also go to celebrate Tinku through dancing, singing and eating, ready to support the men. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Kids and women also go to celebrate Tinku through dancing, singing and eating, ready to support the men. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A community is dancing during Tinku. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A community is dancing during Tinku. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. The fighting is going on while a group of men watching in the background. At the church stairs a bit more far behind, women have gathered to watch the fighting. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. The fighting is going on while a group of men watching in the background. At the church stairs a bit more far behind, women have gathered to watch the fighting. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Kids and women also go to celebrate Tinku through dancing, singing and eating, always ready to support the men. Here a group of women relax a bit in the park. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Kids and women also go to celebrate Tinku through dancing, singing and eating, always ready to support the men. Here a group of women relax a bit in the park. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Because of the huge crowds of people watching the fighting, some climb up the trees to have a better view. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Because of the huge crowds of people watching the fighting, some climb up the trees to have a better view. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A woman tries to keep the order while arguing with an aspiring fighter. She has a traditional whip in her hand, showing that she means what she is saying. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A woman tries to keep the order while arguing with an aspiring fighter. She has a traditional whip in her hand, showing that she means what she is saying. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Even the kids are eager to celebrate Tinku. For them it's a unique opportunity to see new things and to play new games. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Even the kids are eager to celebrate Tinku. For them it's a unique opportunity to see new things and to play new games. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A fight during Tinku. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A fight during Tinku. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Acording to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2013. The main square in Macha. A woman that was selling food during Tinku is going back home once Tinku is over. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Macha, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2013. The main square in Macha. A woman that was selling food during Tinku is going back home once Tinku is over. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Macha to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A stand selling shoes during Tinku. Usually farmers wear sandals made of recycled tire. Going to the Tinku is also an opportunity to buy new stuff for the family. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A stand selling shoes during Tinku. Usually farmers wear sandals made of recycled tire. Going to the Tinku is also an opportunity to buy new stuff for the family. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A young man lying on the ground after a fight. His hands are wrapped in cloth that is the most traditional way of fighting. Years ago fighters used to fight with stones to ensure the bloodshed. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A young man lying on the ground after a fight. His hands are wrapped in cloth that is the most traditional way of fighting. Years ago fighters used to fight with stones to ensure the bloodshed. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Spectators stand (and lays) in the main square of Pocoata during the Tinku festival. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Spectators stand (and lays) in the main square of Pocoata during the Tinku festival. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Just after a heavy fight, toilet paper has been put in the nose to stop the bleeding before his next fight. Blood that is spilled on the ground is suppose to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Just after a heavy fight, toilet paper has been put in the nose to stop the bleeding before his next fight. Blood that is spilled on the ground is suppose to fertilizes the fields. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A pot with fresh lama blood. Killing a lama and drinking its blood is part of the tradition. According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands blood to be fertilized.
K'aria, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A pot with fresh lama blood. Killing a lama and drinking its blood is part of the tradition. According to the people of the Andes, Mother Earth demands blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Drunk and tired people rest and sleep in the outskirts of Pocoata at the end of Tinku. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
Pocoata, Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. Drunk and tired people rest and sleep in the outskirts of Pocoata at the end of Tinku. Farmers from surrounding villages gather in Pocoata to celebrate Tinku, the traditional festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to the people of the Andes, once a year Mother Earth demands human blood to be fertilized.
El Alto airport, Bolivia. May 2013. Many people that attend Tinku are Bolivians whom migrated to other countries for a better life but goes back home to visit relatives during the festival of Pachamama.
El Alto airport, Bolivia. May 2013. Many people that attend Tinku are Bolivians whom migrated to other countries for a better life but goes back home to visit relatives during the festival of Pachamama.
Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A wheat field between Colquechaca and Pocoata at 4000mt above sea level. According to the local tradition, is the Pachamama, the Mother Hearth devinity, that provides a good harvest. The Tinku festival is the traditional ritual to make sacrifices for Pachamama.
Potosì department, Bolivia. May 2014. A wheat field between Colquechaca and Pocoata at 4000mt above sea level. According to the local tradition, is the Pachamama, the Mother Hearth devinity, that provides a good harvest. The Tinku festival is the traditional ritual to make sacrifices for Pachamama.
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