After 2 years of pandemic, the traditional “Caral Raymi” finally took place again on October 28, 2022.
The 66-hectare archaeological site of Caral, which has been excavated since 1994, is located in the Supe Valley on the north-central coast of Peru. The people of Caral are considered the oldest civilization in the entire American continent. The excavations are carried out by Dr. Ruth Shady Solís, Director of the Caral Archaeological Zone.
Caral was the capital of a brilliant civilization that developed nearly 5,000 years ago and was eventually abandoned due to a devastating long-term drought.
We had already traveled to this fascinating place in the spring and were very impressed by the remains of the pyramids. We were able to take home a lot of the history of this unique culture. When we heard about the festival, we took another 12-hour drive from Cajamarca via the Panamericana to Caral. And I have to say, it was worth it!
Caral Raymi is a production that shows us the lives of the “Caral people”. in their various areas with great attention to detail
Research suggests that the Caral civilization was a very advanced social system that was driven more by trade than war. Evidence for this includes the absence of weapons and walls at the site. People were more interested in exchanging resources, goods and knowledge with people from the highlands and jungles. According to the archaeologists' findings, gender equality was said to have been a given.
Pictures from the dress rehearsal
A musical people
Various musical instruments were found, such as a set of 32 transverse flutes, a group of so-called "Antaras", "Quenas" and "rattles" made from plant materials and animal bones, such as guanaco, deer, condor and pelican.
The people developed great scientific and technological knowledge
Their earthquake-proof technology is particularly fascinating. They constructed buildings on platforms one above the other, in which they placed bags filled with stones called “shicras,” which dispersed the seismic waves. They also built stepped walls, broken at intervals and with large stones at the corners.
Six pyramids remain, each with a central staircase aligned with specific stars. Each of these buildings had an altar with a central fireplace, as well as underground pipes that channeled wind energy.
The play
presented scenes from the everyday life of the former residents of Caral. We received explanations about the different technologies and learned that knots were already being used back then (Kiphus) to calculate. We were played on instruments and danced to with fishing nets.
Fishing was an important part of the economy, as was agriculture. An important part of their development was the creation of seasonal activity calendars. It's amazing how much knowledge people already had 5,000 years ago. Knowledge that was adopted by subsequent cultures and was unfortunately largely lost after the Spanish conquest and has only now been rediscovered.
Barter
The people of Caral were already growing crops such as cotton and making clothing with natural colors and durable fibers. During the piece we witnessed the bartering of these materials and were able to watch how these intercultural relationships were cultivated for mutual benefit. Because of this great willingness to give, more complex societies developed and the influence of the Caral culture became so great that it reached the north of Peru, as can be seen at the Ventarrón site in Lambayeque, or at other sites in the south, such as in the valleys of Chillón, Rímac and Asia.
Pachamama
A very special highlight of the Caral Raymis were the scenes of the traditional payment ceremony to Mother Earth or "Pachamama". The ritual, which was carried out by the shaman as a sign of thanks for the gifts and offerings she had received, immediately captivated the audience. She was wonderfully portrayed by the actress and teacher América Bazalar Rosadio, who is also a cultural promoter and known as a fighter against animal cruelty.
This ritual was performed as a sign of gratitude for the gifts received, in the presence of the Lord of Caral and the Lady of Miraya, around the fire altar on which products from the sea, the valley, the highlands and the Amazon were offered.
This scene was crowned by her wonderful interpretation of well-known songs, including: “Agua de Estrellas” composed by Miguel de Molina, with these lyrics:
En tus ojos de agua infinita
Se bañan las estrellitas, mamá
Pachamama viene del cielo. 2x
Limpia, limpia, limpia Corazón Agua brilliante
Llora, llora, llora Corazón Aguita dulce
Sana, sana, sana Corazón Agua bendita
Calma, calma, calma Corazón Agua del cielo – Mama
In your eyes of infinite water,
where the little stars bathe, Mama
Water of Light, Water of Stars,
Pachamama comes from heaven.
Cleanse, cleanse the heart, sparkling water
Cry, cry oh heart, sweet water
Heal, heal the heart, blessed water
Calm, calm the heart, water of heaven, mom.
"Catu Caral"
The following day the very interesting exhibition and sale of handicraft and agricultural products from the residents of the area took place in the reception center of Caral. There was also a gastronomic competition with typical and old dishes. At the end of the celebrations, Runa Raymi, an artistic festival, was organized.
