Inca Music: Journeys and Rituals 1999
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th St., New York, New York,
10016; 212-808-4980
Producer n/a
Directed by Anja Dalhoff for Angel Productions
VHS, color, 30 min.
High School - Adult
Anthropology, Dance, Music, Sociology, South American Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasThis video follows two Peruvian musicians, Ebert and Jabier, as they try to find and save the ancient musical traditions in Peru. After a short ceremony where they are blessed by a medicine man in a sacred ritual, the two visit three Peruvian tribal communities. In the first village, Shipidiari, where Machiguenga Indians live, only the old shaman remembers the old songs. In the next village, Palotoa, very few recall any of the old music, as the lumber industry has taken many of the young away, and the Christian missionaries threaten the villagers with "burning in hell" if they continue in their old traditions. In the last village, Diamante, none of the inhabitants remember anything, due to the lumber industry, the missionaries, and tourism. Most of the men spend their days drinking a local brew called "masato."
The viewer can see the effects of civilization, money, and drinking on the sociology and anthropology of Peruvian society, especially in the remote villages. Ebert and Jabier are trying to recreate the musical heritage of their people, and have found that very little of it survives even in remote areas of Peru. It is a sad commentary on the effects of modern-day society on ethnic cultures in Peru, and is being repeated around the world in many locations.