Imaginary consequences of Andean-Amazonian incest: Incestuous, female mules, demons, worms, hailstones and the damned

Taipe N.; Laurente M.; Taipe E. · Boletin de Literatura Oral (2023) · DOI: 10.17561/blo.v13.7456

Resumen

The goal of this study is to determine the consequences of the transgression of the taboo in the current imaginary in the Quechua area of Ayacucho and eastern Peru, using the kinship involved, the transformations, captures, and punishments. Conclusions: sexual relations between blood, political and ritual relatives are considered incestuous and are widely rejected in the societies studied. The tradition of zoomorphization, high Andean endogamy and the enunciator's position on the qarqacha have created discourses that link animalization with incest. If the transgressor transforms into an animal or hail, his capture or expulsion requires of specific procedures. The consequences of incest impact society by reproducing deformed or animalized children, which in turn can cause infanticide and anthropophagy. If incest is symbolized as hail, it can affect agriculture. Moreover, incest entails damnation, so the reprobate will seek to save himself by devouring humans or being defeated in mystical combat, otherwise, he is expelled to the sea or to hell.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga