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=Quechuas (Kichwas) =

__**Language **__

The Quechuas speak the language of Quechua (Kichwa) but is also known as Runa Simi (When translated it literally means language of the people). Many people throughout Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru speak this language. The estimated number of this speaking language is around seven to eight million. In the Quechua language there are separate words for male and female. Men and women often have a whole list of words that are completely spelled different but they still contain the exact meaning. Not only do the Quechuas speak Quechua (Kichwa) but as well as Spanish. The two languages are very well known throughout the Quechuas and are used on a daily basis.

__**Beliefs **__

The Quechas have a mixed religion that has both pre-Colombian and Catholic aspects. The dominant pre-Colombian element is the belief that events that occur daily are in the control of supernatural forces. These supernatural forces decided what the weather will be like, who will become ill, and whether or not the harvest of crops will be successful. The Quechas believe that in order to have a prosperous life filled with happiness they have to make certain offerings to these greater powers. Thus preventing the Quechas from suffering from bad events such as terrible weather or deathly diseases. An offering that is well known is giving Mother Earth, also known has Pachamama, the first taste of and alcohol when being consumed. By doing this small task it shows great respect Pachamama hence the decreases in havoc that she has the ability to produce. Along with this belief the Quechas also have several gods. These gods are almost like humans in a way, they each posses the power to have feelings. Such as anger, happiness, envy, love and hate. This makes the gods more connectable to humans since it shows that they too can make mistakes. As time progressed on the religion began to incorporate Christianity elements into their own beliefs. Like Christianity the Quechas also believe that there is a heaven and hell.

__**Values **__

From the beginning of a Quechua’s life, each one of them plays an important role to their society. As young children they perform household tasks and are valued very highly in families. Some societies of the Quechan culture even shun those who don’t produce children. A typical family usually only has three or four children. However, some couples even venture into having ten children. Like many cultures the Quechuan’s see that their children are the future and only want the best for their family.



__**Behaviors **__

As the Quechuas grow older they begin to take on bigger roles in life. Most likely these roles consist of farming or trading. Women generally work with farming and men take care of the livestock and any trading that happens in the local market. Women are believed to be the adhesive that holds together the household for they are the ones that make the decisions. Also women are well known for taking care of llamas and they even tend to dance and sing with the llamas. Women are also very famous for the beautiful weaving which they like to do whenever they have a spare moment. The finish project is either used in the family household or sold down at the market. When the Quechas aren’t working they tend to throw quite the party. Socializing is such an important factor to this culture. The Quechas absolutely love to throw parties and look forward to any chance they can get. These parties can be as long as eight days and involve a lot of dancing, eating, drinking, and of course music. Traditional instruments are still used today and children at a young age learn the songs that go along with the tunes. The sweet melodies can be heard throughout the mountains no matter what village you stop at.

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**__Impact of a Changing Culture__**

There are many causes that can alter a whole culture. These things can be new technology, travel, and commercialization. The Quechuas are well known for their weaving. To complete article of clothing or a blanket on a loom takes time and patience. Many Quechua women weave in order to achieve money to support their family. However, there are many other factories that can produce the same textiles as the women but faster and at a cheaper price. This makes these women suffer. Some women are even lucky enough to be able to sell a few of their products. Bigger companies are putting them out of business, which isn’t good for them or their family. Assuming that these women have husbands they have to rely on their jobs instead of doing their own career.

buenosairesnewyork. Cañar - Quilloac niñas cantando. [Video file]. Retrieved from []
//**Second Primary**: I figured that this video was quite important because it showed a dance and a song that showed off the culture.Not only does this video provide a song in the language of the Quechuas but also the traditional instruments generally played in the Andes. //

Glcantelmo. “Quechua Family.” Photograph. Webshots. American Greetings, 2 Oct. 2005. Web. 25 Jan. 2011.

//**1st Primary**: I decided to use this picture since it contains a picture of your typical Quechua family. I believe that really lets you see the culture of theses people. //

Gonzalez-Andrade, Fabricio, and Dora Sanchez. "Genetic profile of the Kichwas (Quichuas) from Ecuador by analysis of STR loci." Human Biology 76.5 (2004): 723+. Student Resource Center - Gold. Web. 25 Jan. 2011.

//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">**Journal**: This journal entry is important because it gives a great overview about the Quechuas. It also provides a table, which explains specific details of this nationality. //

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">"Quechua." Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of World Cultures. 2nd ed. Detroit: U*X*L, 1999. Student Resource Center - Gold. Web. 25 Jan. 2011.

//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Print**: This print source was a very vital part of my research. With this encyclopedia entry I received an overview of the culture as well as specific categories such as living conditions, clothing, religion, social problems, etc. //

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">"Quechua." Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life. Ed. Jeneen Hobby and Timothy Gall. 2nd ed. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 462-467. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 25 Jan. 2011

//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Other Secondary**: This encyclopedia entry gave me such a great understanding into the daily life of your typical Quechua. It really elaborated on their family aspect as well as issues they have throughout their community. //