Inti Raymi: A dialogue with Pachamama

Abstract

Based on anthropological fieldwork in Ecuador, this thesis studies indigenous identity and cultural rights through the meanings and practices of the Inti Raymi festival. It provides an insight on how indigenous celebrations do contribute to strengthen indigenous identity and how this is related to claim cultural rights. The Inti Raymi festivities in Cayambe are recuperated by indigenous actors in a process to strengthen indigenous identity in relation with the indigenous movement. By being the owner of their own cultural expressions, the indigenous leaders do claim their right to cultural heritage and indigenous cultural expressions. In this way the Inti Raymi celebrations can be considered practice of cultural right.