Living Traditions of the Muchik People

Two women of the Muchik community in the northern part of Peru appear in their traditional environment. Various elements of tangible and intangible pre-colonial heritage are visible: 1) the presentation of a traditional fish dish (Caballa Rellena a la brasa), dating back to precolonial times; 2) the so-called “caballitos de totora”, traditional reed boats crafted and used by Muchik fishermen for more than three thousand years; 3) the kitchen and the structure of the house and 4) the hairstyle of both women. The friendly and self-confident attitude of the two women in offering food reveals the powerful role of women in the Muchik culture and their sense of friendly relationship.