It was reminiscent of the Spring ceremony we attended a few years ago where offerings were placed in a hole in the ground for Pachamama - Mother Earth - who presides over the planting and sowing of seeds as well as harvest time.
In this ceremony offerings were placed in a ceramic bowl which remains in the brewery facing the doorway. When I left this morning there was still one more item to be included, but still to be purchased, to complete the ritual.
Again I say - how can I write about something I don't understand. Tell it like I saw it. Although it was a Quechan ceremony, there were obvious Catholic gestures included - such a mix of cultures and religion!!!
Milka and I met Senor Pancho near the house and took him up to the brewery were production was underway. He spread out a poncho on the floor and set out all his items .... so many things all individually wrapped or in small plastic bags.
To begin - the smoking stuff was lit - like I said, I don't know or understand what everything was. Coca leaves were sorted and only perfectly shaped leaves were selected. Wine was opened and splashed around the floor. The small ceramic bowl was lined with floral paper ... and then items were specifically selected to be blessed and then gently placed into the bowl.
The bottom was lined with coca leaves - Senor Pancho had selected groups of three - Quechan words were spoken before each set was carefully positioned in the bottom of the bowl. His actions were very deliberate. Nothing random about it. There seemed to be a particular order to the way items were selected and positioned.
The bowl was full but more items were added including some small dried FISH - possibly anchovies!!!
Eventually the bowl was full!! Some sparkly gold thread was wound around everything, then a wad of cotton wool and the lid was tied on with ribbon.
More Quechan words spoken ...a bell and small shaker moved over the top of the offering. I'm sure it all means something..
Eventually it was handed to Zac and placed in a lofty position facing towards the door.
I think there was more to come - this had already taken an hour. So watch for an update .... not sure what it includes, but I know they place alpaca foetus under the foundations of a new house ..... so I can't wait to see what else they have!!!
In discussion we discovered that Senor Pancho lies near Ausengate - the high snow covered mountain that we admire from the pedestrian walkway over Calle Cultura. I so want to go there..... hopefully next time. Every encounter brings new opportunities. This one is no different - I think Zac and Milka have an invitation to visit the Senor!!!
This morning I had planned to go for a haircut .... but it was more important to record this. Guess the haircut will have to wait until we get back to Sydney. Sure to find a hairdresser there, bet it will cost more than my last haircut - S/7 even cheaper than my S/10 manicure!!!!
So many more pictures of the brewery and the blessing ceremony in this slideshow.
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