Cultures of Peru
Peru’s population is over 26 million, almost half being concentrated in the narrow coastal desert, and roughly half in the Andean highlands. Although more than half of Peru’s territory can be found in the Amazon Basin, less than 5% of it’s population lives in these rainforests.
Around 45% of Peru’s population is Indian, more appropriately referred to as “indigenas”. Most indiginas speak in Quechua and are found in the Andean highlands. Another 37% of the population is mestizo, a mix of Spanish and Indian, 15% are white and the remaining 3% black or Asian.
The heritage of the Andean culture is clear in its folk art forms including music, dance and crafts. Traditional Andean music is referred to as “musica folklorica” and is heard at fiestas and performed in resaurants and bars that cater to music, known as “Penas”. The most recognized music from the Andes is based on drums and wind instruments including the flute.
Handicrafts, especially those from the Andean Highlands are based on pre-Columbian motifs. Textiles and weaving are an important indigenas craft, and traditional Alpaca wool is used to create ponchos, sweaters and hats that are in great demand, as well as gold and silver pieces that are linked to the ancient rituals and heritage of the Inca. |
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