Image: 2015 Smithsonian folklife festival DC -Qeswachaka Bridge rope making - 01

Description: Quechua craftman weaving a rope to be used for the bridge. The Inkas built the Q’eswachaka Bridge using a local grass called ichu (Jarava ichu) to make q’oya, braided ropes that could be destroyed after crossing the Apurimac River. Now the bridge is rebuilt annually by members of four Quechua communities: Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua, and Ccollana Quehue, who work together to maintain the tradition. Every June, four Quechua communities convene to build the Q’eswachaka. They first ask the Pachamama for permission and then collect the q’oya ropes braided by women and young girls. The chakarauwaq (engineers) tie the ropes, let the old bridge fall, and begin weaving. Once finished, they give thanks to Apu Q’eswachaka (mountain spirits). [1]
Title: 2015 Smithsonian folklife festival DC -Qeswachaka Bridge rope making - 01
Credit: Own work
Author: Jarek Tuszyński
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
License: CC BY 4.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Attribution Required?: Yes