Geography of Some Myths and Beliefs: Symbolic Spaces and Geographical Realities of the Machiguenga of the Upper Urubamba

Abstract

The author studies the paradigms employed by mythological thought among the Machiguenga of the Upper Urubamba River. These paradigms form a geographical and spatial framework that enables the occupation and use of their territory. The fragile and limited space of the Machiguenga is being reduced and affected by the colonization of Indigenous Quechua and white populations, which disrupts the ecological balance, transforming lush forests into desolate savannas. The study draws on myths concerning the origin of toponyms and local topographical features.