Description
Beyond the Stones of Machu Picchu: Folk Tales and Stories of Inca Life vibrantly depicts Andean village life through folk tales, stories, and art. The subject matter brings forth Inca rituals and beliefs about the living earth (Pacha Mama), the majestic mountains worshipped as Apus, the sky and its "black constellations," the meanings attached to sacred water, the events of nature and ever-changing climate, the stages of life and growth, courage and transformation.
The book is written for both adults and children, introducing an in-depth look into South American Native People, their customs, everyday lives, incidents of change, and profound appreciation and celebration of the natural world. The paintings and stories provide a rare glimpse into Inca peoples' creative work, especially the famous Andean practice of weaving and other textile arts.
The paintings of Angel Callanaupa Alvarez are distinguished by his expansive imagination, delightful humor, sense of space and composition, and story-telling skills. His art shares a wide perspective, vividly illustrating scenes from little-known but time-honored traditions.
About the Author
Elizabeth Conrad VanBuskirk is an exhibited fiber artist and award-winning writer who has taught courses on Inca history and culture to university educators. She is the cofounder of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, which works to save ancient Peruvian textile traditions from extinction. She lives in Charlotte, Vermont. Angel L. Callanaupa Alvarez is an award-winning Peruvian painter inspired by history, tradition, legends, superstitions, and the Andean vision of the cosmos. In 1970, he created landscape paintings for Dennis Hopper's infamous film The Last Movie, which was being filmed in his hometown of Chinchero.
Reviews
There is something so special about passing along a tale. Stories teach us so many things. As life changes and we don't talk as much we are losing these beautiful tales. This book changes some of that and puts pen to paper to record the tales for eternity. The legends take you through the folklore that takes you through the year and festivities. The stories are beautiful and have so many
hidden meanings. I am reading the stories to my son. I love the fact that he can be taken into a world that is far from his own. He is enjoying them so much and has already asked if he could visit the region. The beautiful paintings in this book bring the stories and tales to life. It takes the vivid story lines and puts them into wonderful multicoloured pictures. This is the sort of book that you buy as an heirloom. It can be passed down the generations and shared as they have been shared in the past. It's important that these stories are put down on paper. The thought of all the things that have already been lost is a sad one. This book is a celebrating of Inca life and all the messages the elders wanted passed down from generation to generation. I feel privileged to have read this book. I also feel privileged that I have been able to read it to my son and pass on the stories. I would highly recommend it for everyone. It's one that will become part of your life and make it more beautiful.
Book Information
ISBN 9780983886051
Author Elizabeth Conrad VanBuskirk
Format Paperback
Page Count 114
Imprint Schiffer Craft
Publisher Schiffer Publishing Ltd
