Indigenous Ritual Combat in San Pedro de Macha, Bolivia

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
In the Bolivian town of San Pedro de Macha, Indigenous Quechua men and women participate in a ritual combat called 'Tinku' to settle disputes. The tradition involves hand-to-hand combat and colorful traditional clothing.

Key Points

  • Tinku is a traditional way of resolving disputes in certain Quechua towns
  • Participants show devotion to Mother Earth through combat
  • Some Tinku events have led to fatalities

Pros

  • Preservation of traditional Indigenous customs and practices
  • Community bonding and resolution of conflicts through physical encounters

Cons

  • Risk of injuries or even deaths during the combat
  • Potential for excessive violence despite police monitoring