Re: about Huaqueros (for Meg)

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Posted by Inbanana Jones from alpha3.csd.uwm.edu on June 10, 1999 at 20:35:40:

Some info regarding huaqueros: the term is indeed used in Latin America in reference to those who plunder archaeological sites. The word is a Spanish corruption of a Quechua word, "huaca", which means something that is ancient and potentially supernaturally powerful. The Incas and other Andean people referred to sacred mountains, caves, landscape fixtures, et cetera as huacas. Huacas could also be mummified human remains and other mortuary paraphanalia.
When the Spanish arrived and began plundering the Andes they became known as "huaqueros", or "those who pursue ancient things". The term gradually spread in usage throughout Latin America, and continues to be used today, particularly in southern Central America and the Andes.
Although is remains illegal in most cases to disturb archaeological sites for collecting, there are some who proudly call themselves huaqueros and continue to loot and sell antiquities; part of the "informal economy" of these nations. If you travel in Latin America, particularly in Peru, you may encounter people selling artifacts, usually figurative ceramics and pots, on the street or near gringo hangouts. More often than not these are clever fakes, but the selling technique almost always hinges on communicating the excitement of "ancient artifacts" and "treasure hunting" to the buyer. The huacas still have the power to enchant, it seems.
Oh, on a side note, one of my favorite stories about treasure huntinng conquistadores goes like this:
when the conquistadores encountered the native Andeans they explained their treasure hunting and collecting by saying that they needed gold to live. Much later, when their true motives became known and all out battles between Spanish and native South Americans became common, some Spanish soldiers were captured by some Chilean warriors. The story goes that the warriors tied up the Spanish, told them that they had heard that the Spanish were hungry for gold, and proceeded to pour molten metal down the conquistador's throats. Pretty gruesome, but not without irony. Cheers!


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