Shamans and indigenous tribes of seven Andean countries are currently
meeting to share knowledge and wisdom at the International Meeting of
Andean Cultures in Pasto, Nariño department.
According to Carlos Motombayoy of the ethnic group kamtsa, the festival is a perfect opportunity to draw attention to the need to save their traditions and customs. But also to give the Western world an understanding of their knowlegde and culture.
“In the past our words were buried and profaned, our expertise and knowledge were identified as witchcraft, our wisdom was considered to be wizardry. And even today the academy, the pulpit and scientific studies does not recognize our peoples and knowledge,” Efren Tarapues of the organization Shaquiñan said.
300 indigenous participate in the International Meeting. During the week lectures, dialogues, rituals and traditional sessions take place.
