Abstract

FRESIA, M. Belén Velardez. The creation of a deity: the case of the maiden of llullaillaco. Comechingonia [online]. 2018, vol.22, n.2, pp.1-8. ISSN 1851-0027.

The following work constitutes an approximation, through a semiotic approach, to the cultural significance of the Andean cephalic adornments. There are many evidences concerning this particular element, but few studies on its significance in the past. Considering them as corporate emblems, taking into account their specific materiality and the long continuity of Andean traditions, which still include feather adornments in their rituality and daily life, we achieve an approximation to the role played by these objects / agents within Inca society. The analysis of a particular Inca context, the ritual practice known as Capacocha, in which a young woman took part in the volcano Llullaillaco, allows us to enter into the understanding of the processes of constitution of personal identity, and the sacredness of objects in a constant interaction between person/object. It is these relationships that will define the role and meaning of feather adornments within past societies.

Keywords : feather art ; rituality ; Inca ; Semiotics.