I was also really interested in the culture of the Andes, specifically about textiles. I found that things like trading were very necessary and that things like weaving were at the forefront. In the video, I found it interesting how she had mentioned that these traditions that have been passed down since the Incas are starting become a little lost within the new generation, as many are choosing to go to school instead. This is creating a large gap because with schooling, these children start to move away and kind of miss out on learning from their community, but many eventually move back. It was also interesting to see that there were different methods when it came to weaving as well.
Lastly, I was very interested in the panpipes, or siku from the Andes. I thought it was really interesting how diverse these instruments could be. I found that they could be made of pretty much anything, from metal to bone, and that they can be in a variety of sizes. Like the referenced article suggests, these instruments have a very breathy quality to them, akin to the sound of wind. They can be used in a variety of ceremonies, like funerals and religious celebrations, but also in everyday life! What is most interesting to me is how you can be able to play two different melodies at once, due to the two layers of pipes.
On the part about children moving away for schooling... I think personally that children's school should come first. They can learn traditional craft alongside or after they finish school. What do you think about this?
ReplyDeleteThe panpipes are a super interesting instrument, Aimee! I thought it was cool how they can be made from many different materials like you mentioned. It's also so amazing how different melodies can be played at the same time, which isn't that common for wind instruments.
ReplyDeleteHi Aimee! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on these topics. I loved your paragraph on the flute, especially the story of its origin. The flute appears in so many stories and myths, in a variety of cultures. And they can also be a piece of art! I can't attach pictures in the comments, but I looked up wood flutes and there is some beautifully intricate wood-working.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of beautiful art, those textiles are incredible! The fact that they use plants to dye the fabric, and that all the material is local and natural, is just amazing.
The panpipe has become increasingly fascinating to me, especially once I learned that they aren't impossible to make at home (although some homemade ones are constructed with straws, and I can't imagine they sound very good).
Hey Aimee! I really loved reading your blog! I thought it was really cool how the panpipes have two layers allowing for there to be more than one melody to be played. I found it upsetting that the children miss out on any proper schooling especially since I've grown up around the idea that school and education are extremely important.
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