What is really amazing is that it's done without any government assistance!
The Q'eswachaka bridge
From: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Even though there is a modern bridge nearby, the residents of the region keep the ancient tradition and skills alive by renewing the bridge annually, in June. Several family groups have each prepared a number of grass-ropes to be formed into cables at the site, others prepare mats for decking, and the reconstruction is a communal effort. In ancient times the effort would have been a form of tax, with participants coerced to perform the rebuilding; nowadays the builders have indicated that effort is performed to honor their ancestors and the Pachamama (Earth Mother).
The event has also been supported by video productions for Nova and the BBC and is the subject of an independent documentary titled The Last Bridge Master (in-production, 2014). It is becoming a minor tourist attraction, with some small tolls charged for tourists to use the road during the festival to walk the newly completed bridge. In 2009 the government recognized the bridge and its maintenance as part of the cultural heritage of Peru, and there is now some outside sponsorship..
What a wonderful way to honor your ancestors. Great video.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope they aren't offended if I don't walk across it. Heights. However, I will be more than happy to hold your beer (wine) and watch you cross.
LOL - No thanks! Standing on a chair makes me dizzy and I certainly don't need another bout of vertigo!
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