20245603(en)/6 - “Fragrant and Refreshed”: The Life of Huacos in the Practice of Curanderismo in Lambayeque, Peru
“FRAGRANT AND REFRESHED”: THE LIFE OF HUACOS IN THE PRACTICE OF CURANDERISMO IN LAMBAYEQUE, PERU
“BIEN PERFUMADOS Y BIEN REFRESCADOS”: LA VIDA DE LOS HUACOS EN LA PRÁCTICA DEL CURANDERISMO EN LAMBAYEQUE, PERÚ
Dé Leonel Soares
This article discusses the role and importance of archaeological pottery in the practice of curanderismo on the northern coast of Peru, specifically in the Lambayeque region. In this area, it is common for curanderos and curanderas to include archaeological pottery, known as huacos, on their altars. When participating in curanderismo, these artifacts emerge from the earth to form other meshwork of relationships beyond those envisioned by archaeological practice and discipline. Thus, huacos are not just seen as ancient objects connecting the past and present, but also as powerful beings capable of assisting the curandero in various “spiritual tasks”. Curanderos and curanderas present themselves as individuals capable of establishing working and caring relationships with these beings to enable them to heal their patients.
