YATIRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Q'eros are a Quechua-speaking community residing in the Vilcanota mountain range in Peru (Cuzco Region). Their territory is divided into 5 villages: Hatun Q'eros, Marcachea, Quico, Totorani, Hapu. They practice agriculture (potato, maize), herding (alpaca, lama, sheep, cow) as well as weaving for their own use and for sale. Q’eros are also known for shamanic practices aimed at ensuring their wellbeing. The climate of Q’eros territory is characterized by two seasons (rainy and dry) and three ecological zones (ranging between 1800 and 5000 metres above the sea level): yunga, qeshwa, puna - from moist jungle to snow-capped mountain peaks. Until the 1950s, Q'eros had lived in cultural and geographical isolation from the majority of the national society. However, over the past 15 years, we can observe their growing migration to urban agglomerations: mainly Cuzco and nearby pueblos: Ocongate, Paucartambo. The causes of migration may lie in the construction of roads, which facilitated transport to urban areas, but above all: in the desire to improve living conditions (work and education) and escape climate change (which negatively affects pastoralism and agriculture). It is also important to note Q'eros's participation in “mystical tourism” and the increasing influence of the Maranatha Church.