SCISSORS DANCERS

Title: SCISSORS DANCERS

Description: Named for the pair of iron rods each dancer brandishes in his right hand, the scissors dance is traditionally performed by men. This dance takes place during the dry season months, which coincide with the main phases of the agricultural calendar. Thus, it represents a ritual way of celebrating Andean divinities linked to nature, such as the Sun (Inti) and the Moon (Quilla). Choreography is extremely difficult to master, and requires intense physical preparation. Thus, most dancers are trained from childhood. As a rite of passage, the young Quechua, who claim to be the children of Wamani, the spirit of the mountain, receive a name associated with one of the spirits so that they can dance under his protection. This physical and spiritual knowledge is transmitted from teacher to student in each Andean community to guarantee the sustenance of the extraordinary dance generation after generation. The origin of the dance is uncertain; however, some believe that it was created in reaction against colonialism and the repression of indigenous ideals. During the 1500s, dancers were persecuted by Christians because dance was believed to be a manifestation of dark magic. The artists were considered supaypa guagua - children of the devil - who refused to dispel their old practices and made a pact with the devil to obtain such skills. Although dance is now accepted and practiced in Christian celebrations, to this day dancers are prohibited from entering a church while in disguise. To be prepare the dancers take their scissors to the waterfall to be tune by the mermaids.

Medium: Ceramic

Dimensions: 24 inches wide, 33 inches tall, 6 inches as its depth

Shipping: $100.00

Price: $5400.00