Combapata folkloric group

In this studio photograph taken using a fabric backdrop, Chambi portrays a local folk group, as can be seen from the clothing and accessories (ponchos, wool chullos, montera-type hats, waistbands - the so-called chumpi), as well as the instruments. Two Andean harps (with sound box), straight flutes similar to those in use in pre-Hispanic times, and a clearly modern drum kit stand out. A mandolin and two violins, integrated in popular music from the colonial era, also appear. One of the characters in the centre of the scene sports a vara, the symbol of command of Andean authorities.
The only three women in the photo do not appear to play an instrument, but the two in the front row each hold a sort of woollen festoon with fringes at the extremities, and in front of them they hold terracotta pots with geometric decorations in the style of Inca ceramics (increasingly well known at the time thanks to archaeological studies and excavations).
As for the instrument composed of an arched element covered by a circular element, held by the four men with chullos arranged at the extremities of the group, it could be identified with some instruments still used today in a typical Compabata village dance (the turkuscha), called 'yesban', which function like maracas. This hypothesis also seems reinforced by the presence of another accessory worn by the same members of the group: the leggings with bells now made of metal, also used in this dance and present in depictions of dancers since pre-Hispanic times (although made of materials of plant origin). The same festoons of the women in the photograph are consistent with those, in a more modern form and material, still used by the dancers today during the Turkuscha.
The identity and origin of this folk music group is evidenced by the fringed sign held by one of the flute players.