Mama Rayguana – Atoq Mayor: Ritual inheritance of the Andean Huamalian worldview

Abstract

This article has the purpose to analyze and highlight the traditional dance Mama Rayguana - Atoq Alcalde as a ritual expression of the andean worldview, highlighting its symbolism, social function and relevance in the collective memory of the province of Huamalíes, Huánuco region. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, with a hermeneutic phenomenological design, focused at understanding the deeper meaning of cultural practices and their connection to andean spirituality. This study employed techniques such as participatory observation, analysis of personal stories and narratives, specialized bibliographic review, and photographic record in the field. Ethnographic, symbolic, and cultural analysis made possible to address key dimensions such as the historical and cultural origins of the dance, its ritual structure, its value as intangible heritage, and its musical aesthetics. It was identified that Mama Rayguana - Atoq Alcalde represents a ritual configuration based on the symbolic duality of the andean worldview, articulating feminine and masculine roles in communal celebration escenaries. The choreographic, musical, and costume elements reveal mythical narratives related with fertility, local authority, and reciprocity, reaffirming the connection between territory, spirituality, and social organization. In addition, we confirm that the practice of this dance contributes to the intergenerational transmission of ancestral knowledge, strengthening the cultural identity and sense of belonging of the communities of Huamalies. Its relevance in patron saint celebrations and agricultural rituals promotes the revitalization of the quechua language and the reinterpretation of traditional roles in contemporary contexts. In this context, there is a need to incorporate traditional dances into the curricular programs of Regular Basic Education, as a pedagogical resource that promotes respect for cultural diversity, meaningful learning, and educational justice in andean contexts.