The Aymara People

Who Are the Aymara?

The Aymara are an indigenous people of the Andes and Altiplano regions of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile, with a population of approximately 2-3 million. Their civilization predates the Inca Empire, having built the remarkable Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) culture that flourished from 300-1000 CE near Lake Titicaca. The Aymara developed sophisticated agricultural techniques to thrive at extreme altitudes (12,000+ feet), created complex irrigation systems, and established one of South America's most significant pre-Columbian civilizations. Today, the Aymara maintain their language, spiritual practices, and cultural identity while navigating modern nation-states, with Bolivia recognizing Aymara as an official language.

Tiwanaku: Ancient Empire

The Tiwanaku civilization (300-1000 CE) was one of South America's most important pre-Columbian cultures, centered near Lake Titicaca in present-day Bolivia. At its peak, Tiwanaku controlled territory across the Andes, establishing colonies and trade networks from Peru to northern Chile and Argentina. The capital city featured monumental architecture including the Akapana pyramid, Kalasasaya temple, and the iconic Gateway of the Sun—a massive stone gateway carved with intricate designs.

Tiwanaku engineers created sophisticated raised-field agriculture (suka kollus) systems that maximized crop yields in the harsh Altiplano environment. These raised beds surrounded by water channels moderated temperature extremes, prevented frost damage, and provided consistent harvests. Modern researchers have revived these ancient techniques with remarkable success.

Language & Cosmovision

The Aymara language is unrelated to Quechua, representing a distinct linguistic family. Aymara has unusual features including a three-way distinction of knowledge (personal witness, inference, or hearsay) built into verb forms. With over 2 million speakers, Aymara remains vibrant, taught in schools and used in media, especially in Bolivia.

Aymara cosmovision centers on reciprocity (ayni) and balance between opposing forces. The world consists of three realms: Alax pacha (upper world of celestial beings), Aka pacha (this world where humans live), and Manqha pacha (underworld of ancestors and earth spirits). Maintaining proper relationships with spiritual beings through offerings and ceremonies ensures community wellbeing.

Spiritual Practices & Yatiris

Yatiris are Aymara spiritual specialists who conduct ceremonies, perform divination, heal illnesses, and mediate between human and spiritual realms. They make offerings (ch'alla) of alcohol, coca leaves, llama fat, and other items to Pachamama (Mother Earth), Apus (mountain spirits), and ancestors, especially during agricultural cycles and life transitions.

The Alasitas festival (January 24) honors Ekeko, the Aymara god of abundance, where people purchase miniature versions of desired items believing they will manifest in full size during the year. This syncretic tradition blends pre-Columbian and Catholic elements.

Agriculture & Adaptation

Aymara agriculture showcases remarkable adaptation to extreme environments. They cultivate quinoa, potatoes (with hundreds of varieties), cañihua, and other hardy crops at altitudes where few plants survive. Traditional freeze-drying techniques produce chuño (freeze-dried potatoes) and charque (dried meat) that store for years. Herding llamas and alpacas provides wool, meat, and pack animals essential for Altiplano life.

Textiles & Material Culture

Aymara weaving produces intricate aguayos (carrying cloths) and textiles featuring bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Traditional dress includes bowler hats (introduced by Europeans but now iconic Aymara symbols), multilayered skirts (polleras), and woven shawls. Textiles communicate social status, community identity, and marital status through specific patterns and colors.

Modern Aymara & Political Activism

Today's Aymara maintain strong cultural identity while engaging with modern politics. Evo Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president (2006-2019), is of Aymara descent and promoted indigenous rights, plurinationalism, and recognition of indigenous cosmovision in Bolivia's constitution. Aymara communities in El Alto (Bolivia's second-largest city) demonstrate how indigenous identity persists in urban settings.

Aymara face ongoing challenges including land rights disputes, environmental threats to traditional territories, and discrimination. Yet they continue traditional agricultural practices, language transmission, spiritual ceremonies, and political organizing. The Aymara concept of "vivir bien" (suma qamaña)—living well in harmony with nature and community—offers alternative development models gaining international recognition.