The Harawi in the peasant community of San Pedro de Cumbe – Conchamarca

Abstract

The objective of this fieldwork-based ethnographic research was to determine the cultural significance of the harawi in the peasant community of San Pedro de Cumbe, Conchamarca. The authors explained and described the significance of the harawi and identified the musical instruments used. A compilation and transcription of harawi melodies was conducted. The methodology employed a qualitative approach and ethnographic design. The technique used was observation and semi-structured interviews, using an observation and interview guide as instruments. The current state of the harawi was explained, drawing on bibliographic, newspaper, and experiential sources. In the ethnography, we demonstrated the systematization of the information by interpreting the symbolism of the costumes, the message of the festival, and the dissemination, collection, transcription, and analysis of the music. For the interviews, we were assisted by four members of the peasant community, protagonists of the harawi festival. We conclude that the harawi of this community has deep roots in the past, passed down from generation to generation. This cultural expression symbolizes unity around a common cause, in which the entire community participates in the cleaning of irrigation ditches. Music plays a fundamental role in this process. There are four harawi tunes in the rural community of San Pedro de Cumbe, ranging from their use in religious rituals linked to the local Andean worldview to their function as a stimulus during work.