Explicando la historia de la wiphala en Bolivia

Summary

This video script delves into the rich history of the Corpus Christi procession in Cusco, focusing on the role of the Cañaris, native Andean people who served as the imperial guards. The Cañaris carried the Burgundy Cross, symbolizing order and security within the Spanish Empire, which is explored in detail. The speaker also discusses the importance of flags, including the wipala, and how they represent both military and religious order. Through historical references and visual examples, the script highlights the cultural intersections and the often-overlooked contributions of native peoples in shaping Peru's history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Corpus Christi procession in Cusco features 15 saints, accompanied by a unique security force of native Cañaris from the Andes region.
• 😀 The Cañaris were granted the privilege of importing weapons for the Corpus Christi procession, making them the imperial guards during the event.
• 😀 The Cañaris' flag, a Burgundy cross, was a symbol of order and was historically linked to the Spanish Empire's military forces.
• 😀 The Burgundy cross used by the Cañaris in Cusco is similar to a modern military flag found in the Military Institute in Madrid.
• 😀 The cross and the Cañaris' role in the procession reveal an alternative perspective on their relationship with the Spanish, as they were granted authority and military symbols.
• 😀 The flag and its association with the Cañaris reflects a complex dynamic, challenging the narrative of oppression often attributed to native populations under Spanish rule.
• 😀 The Cañaris' role and symbolism within the Corpus Christi procession, including the Burgundy cross, represent Catholic Imperial order in the Andes during the colonial period.
• 😀 The arquebusier angels, seen in the art of the time, symbolized order and security in the Catholic worldview, tying into the use of the Burgundy cross.
• 😀 A large painting in the Museum of America in Madrid depicts the entrance of Archbishop Viceroy Morillo to Potosí, with flags that represent Catholic Imperial order.
• 😀 The wipala, a flag seen in art from the time, was not originally a symbol of anti-colonialism but rather an official emblem representing security under the Spanish crown.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Corpus Christi procession in Cusco?

The Corpus Christi procession in Cusco is a major religious event during which 15 saints are taken out in procession. It is accompanied by a unique security force made up of Cañaris, indigenous people of the Andes, who historically played a crucial role in the procession's safety.

Who were the Cañaris, and what role did they play during the Corpus Christi festival?

The Cañaris were indigenous people from the Tomebamba area who were responsible for providing security during the Corpus Christi procession. They had the privilege of importing weapons, which made them the primary security force during the event.

What is the significance of the Burgundy cross in the Cañaris' flag?

The Burgundy cross on the Cañaris' flag symbolized order and security. It was the emblem of the imperial guards of the Inca Empire, and the Cañaris used it to represent their role as defenders of the imperial order during the procession.

How does the Burgundy cross flag relate to the Spanish military?

The Burgundy cross flag is linked to the Spanish military, particularly the Spanish Tercios. The Cañaris' flag, which closely resembled this cross, was associated with the Spanish imperial order, even though it represented a different role for the Cañaris as protectors rather than conquerors.

Who was Pedro de Gasca, and what was his role in the history of the Burgundy cross flag?

Pedro de Gasca was known as the 'Peacemaker' for ending the civil war between the Spanish conquistadors Pizarro and Almagro. He brought the Burgundy cross flag to Peru as a symbol of order and peace, which was then adopted by the natives as a symbol of security and stability.

What role did the 'arquebusier angels' play in representing order in the colonial period?

The 'arquebusier angels' were symbolic representations of order and security in the colonial period. They were often depicted with a checkered flag in the colors of the Collao, signifying the connection between Catholic Imperial order and the authority of the Spanish crown.

What was the significance of the checkered flag in the colonial context?

The checkered flag, often drawn in the colors of the Collao, represented Catholic Imperial order and security. It was associated with the angels and served as a visual symbol of the authority of the Spanish crown and the Church.

Why is the painting of the 'Entrance of Archbishop Viceroy Morillo to Potosí' important in this historical context?

The painting of the 'Entrance of Archbishop Viceroy Morillo to Potosí' is important because it depicts the use of flags that were part of the Spanish colonial symbolism. These flags, including one similar to the wipala, represented the security and order imposed by the Spanish and the Catholic Church during the colonial period.

What is the connection between the wipala and the colonial flags depicted in the paintings?

The wipala, which is now seen as a symbol of indigenous resistance, was once used as an official flag representing the security and order of the Spanish crown and Catholic Church. In colonial times, it was seen as a symbol of loyalty to the Spanish regime and not as a symbol of resistance as it is perceived today.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of understanding the origins of symbols like the wipala?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins of symbols like the wipala to avoid manipulation and division. By learning the true historical context of these symbols, people can recognize the unifying aspects of their shared history rather than focusing on divisive or distorted interpretations.