A Method to the Madness: Understanding the Politics of Irrigation in the Andes.
Paul Gelles, Water and Power in Highland Peru: The Cultural Politics of Irrigation and Development is an interesting take on the evolution and adaptation of the indigenous traditions surrounding irrigation water in the Colca valley of Peru. Gelles describes how traditional systems of irrigation coexist and compete along modern, government-sponsored models. The main focus is on how “competing structures of power and meaning are conceptually mapped onto the communities’ irrigation system over the course of its annual agricultural cycle” (Gelles, 2). Gelles explores the history and influence of clashing cultural influences, from the Inka to the Peruvian state on this small, rural community. It is fascinating to read how, despite pressure to establish modern methods of irrigation, traditional methods and rituals are the preferred mode of water distribution. The book reveals much of the duality embodied within the community and exposes how “at the end of the twentieth century, enduring patterns of belief and ritual are compatible with the porous and transnational character of Cabanaconde and many other Andean communities.” (Gelles, 5) …show more content…
Historically speaking, indigenous communities have had an uphill battle in maintaining autonomy over their own practices and lands. Water and Power does a great job in illustrating the rich culture and the difficulties experienced by the Cabanenos. The introduction of a monetary system and the continuing expansion of the state will continue to present challenges to the indigenous communities of not just Peru, but of all the Andes. The traditional systems grounded in local beliefs absolutely have a place within modern society. Indigenous communities, their cultures and traditions are a part of the state and should be counted as contributing
Paul Gelles, Water and Power in Highland Peru: The Cultural Politics of Irrigation and Development is an interesting take on the evolution and adaptation of the indigenous traditions surrounding irrigation water in the Colca valley of Peru. Gelles describes how traditional systems of irrigation coexist and compete along modern, government-sponsored models. The main focus is on how “competing structures of power and meaning are conceptually mapped onto the communities’ irrigation system over the course of its annual agricultural cycle” (Gelles, 2). Gelles explores the history and influence of clashing cultural influences, from the Inka to the Peruvian state on this small, rural community. It is fascinating to read how, despite pressure to establish modern methods of irrigation, traditional methods and rituals are the preferred mode of water distribution. The book reveals much of the duality embodied within the community and exposes how “at the end of the twentieth century, enduring patterns of belief and ritual are compatible with the porous and transnational character of Cabanaconde and many other Andean communities.” (Gelles, 5) …show more content…
Historically speaking, indigenous communities have had an uphill battle in maintaining autonomy over their own practices and lands. Water and Power does a great job in illustrating the rich culture and the difficulties experienced by the Cabanenos. The introduction of a monetary system and the continuing expansion of the state will continue to present challenges to the indigenous communities of not just Peru, but of all the Andes. The traditional systems grounded in local beliefs absolutely have a place within modern society. Indigenous communities, their cultures and traditions are a part of the state and should be counted as contributing