Andean Art from Pachamama
From the age of 19 I was inspired by art and the way in which you can express yourself through art and music. That´s when the journey began and I traveled all throughout Peru and South-America with my art, only to find out that my art can best be described as Andean Art. I feel a strong connection to Pachamama and my ancestors and the Andean Culture of the Incas. Pachamama (mother earth), the sun, the moon and the stars are a great inspiration in my art.
Pachamama is our Mother Earth
In Quechua or Aymara language Pachamama can be translated as World Mother, but means so much more. This word is used by these ancient cultures to describe the earth, cosmos, time and space, the universe etc. It is said to entail everything alive on earth and related to life on earth, including the spiritual realms surrounding our planet. This is why the word pachamama is used in such a sacred way in Andean culture (from Chili, to Peru, Bolivia, northern Argentina and Ecuador). This deep connection is also very much a part of me and me design traditions. I’d like to tell you a bit about this cultural background and traditions.
Pachamama is very important to the Andean People and is sacred and therefore cared for like a mother. She is known to be responsible for life on earth, from fertility and harvest, to the gentle caretaking of children and feeding all that is alive ont his plaet. Pachamama is what is believed to provid protection for every living being, and thus there is a lot of respect for her in Andean Culture. From waking up in the morning and placing your feet firmly on the ground, to honouring the food that nourishes you untill the moment you lay your head to rest at night, it’s all connected to la pacha. She can never be left out of the equasion. “We Thank our Life to Her” and we don’t take this lightly.
Pachamama daily rituals
We give thanks to all her treasures and gifts, from our family and newborn babies to the food we eat daily. So before families start to eat (and me personally every day) give thanks for our alimentos before we enjoy our food. From water to the juicy fruits of the market, the rice and beans, and veggies we eat at dinner. All are equally respected and honored.
When you officially do any eating ritual or festivities, related to our connection to mother earth we always spill or offer a bit of our food to Pachamama directly. This tradition is called challa. You can see this everywhere in our culture. It’s the way to say thanks and share our prosperity with the One that we owe all these riches to.
Despacho in Andean Culture
Another even more sacred way of giving thanks to Pachamama is doing a Despacho – performed by shamans and Andean families. Where the richest fruits, food, rice, and flowers are offered, together with the coca leaves. All throughout the Andes, these rituals are performed and recently have been opening this up to the public too.
Set intentions of what you wish to transform in your life, or what you want to ask guidance on can be done before the despacho ritual. The shaman then speaks on your behalf to the Apus (mountains) and the energy of Pachamama to call upon their help for this transformation. Pachamama is responsible for all of creation, so she also has the power to change anything. We trust deeply in our connection with Pachamama, for a good life and a good harvest each year and we take time to honour this connection.
You might experience a stronger connection to Pachamama and all her divine power once you have participated in a despacho like this. You can do a small ritual in your own garden tonight before you eat, giving the first portion as a challa to pachamama – or just give thanks for all that is on your plate. It will enrich your life for sure.
Honouring Pachamama while making my art
When I am making my art I am conscious of where these beautiful gemstones came from and I often feel connected to the very mountains they were found in. I give thanks to Pachamama for giving us these treasures and I try to keep the essence of the gemstone at the base of my design. Using forms and shapes that are related to nature and follow a natural flow. To me working with gemstones like this is an honour and makes me feel very connected to la pachamama. I thank her every day for the life I have and with my art I can express my gratitude even more.
I especially enjoy working with Chrysocolla and Andean Opal, which I know come directly from the Andean Mountains.
See my special andean art designs in the shop.
Chrysocolla elegant pendant
This Andean chrysocolla helps with communication and deepening your meditation practice. It gives you gentile guidance
It helps to stabilize personal relationships and helps you to accept situations and change and builds up your inner strength.
She draws off negative energies of any kind and helps you find inner balance by aligning all the chakras.
A great companion to have in life and an elegant eye-catching necklace to wear as well.