Andean rituals and building construction: physical and symbolic infrastructures
Journal: Journal of Building Technology DOI: 10.32629/jbt.v8i1.5207
Abstract
This work explores the relationship between Andean rituals and building construction in the cities of La Paz and Cochabamba. Its objective is to characterize the connection between the Andean ritual of offering to Pachamama and the building construction process, revealing the particularities of the rituals and their relevance in these constructions. The study describes and analyzes the social and spatial acts aimed at ensuring social and symbolic security around construction. To this end, a review of previous research and related documents was conducted. The investigation is based on ethnographic work, including participant observation, interviews with builders, "Yatiris," owners, and other key actors, as well as surveys of the inhabitants of these buildings. The results reveal the existence of two types of infrastructures: a physical infrastructure and a symbolic infrastructure. The latter provides protection, harmony, and social cohesion, strengthens community identity, and reinforces social relationships around the construction process. While the rituals do not technically determine the construction of the buildings, they contribute to the realization of the works under a logic of social sustainability.
Keywords
Andean rituals; symbolic infrastructure; building construction; Bolivia
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