Peruvian culture

Peru, located on the western coast of South America, shares its borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. The Pacific Ocean guards it from the West. Lima, its capital, is the largest city in Peru. Peru varies greatly in climate and topography. The arid region along the coast, a region of high mountains in the center, and a large area of forested mountains and lowlands in the east form the three geographical regions of Peru. Geography of a country influences its culture, and this is evident even in Peru. The culture of Peru is one of the most diverse in South America.

Peruvian culture encompasses art, literature, traditions of Peru and also the Peruvian lifestyle. Diversity is at its best in Peru! Culture of Peru is primarily ingrained in Amerindian and Spanish traditions. African, Asian, and European ethnic groups have influenced Peruvian culture.

Art

Peru is known as the heart of Inca Empire. Peruvian artistic traditions can be traced back to Pre-Inca cultures. The Incas kept up these crafts. The construction of Machu Picchu illustrates the architectural achievements made by Incas. Colonial art was dominated by Baroque. Most art focused on religious subjects during this period. Jose Sabogal headed the indigenous school of painting, which dominated the cultural scene in Peru, for ten years after 1932. During the 1960s, Fernando de Szyszlo, a Peruvian artist of international recognition, became the main promoter for abstract painting and helped in modernizing Peruvian art. Peru is proud of one of the largest varieties of arts and crafts in the world. Peruvian art has combined with the art style brought by the Spanish conquistadors resulting into an art form called Naif. Young artists are encouraged by Peru's economy.

Literature

Peruvian literature has originated from the oral traditions of pre-Columbian civilizations. Spaniards initiated writing in the 16th century. 20th century was witness to writers like Ciro Alegria, Jose Maria Arguedas, and Cesar Vallejo. Mario Vargas Llosa, during the second half of the century, made Peruvian literature popular. Today many Peruvian writers are living in the USA.

Dance and Music

Marinera is known as the "National Dance of Peru". There are also dances that are associated with the agricultural work, hunting and war. Some dances show an influence of Christians. "Kashua" and the "Wayno" are two representative Andean dances. Kashua is usually danced in groups whereas Wayno is danced in couples. Peru has some dances of war like the Chiriguano and also the Carnival Dances. Dances of ritual character are the Achocallo, the Pinkillada, and the Llamerada. Llama is a South American camelid. Llamerada imitates its walk. The local community of Peru has preserved Peruvian music for thousands of years. It is a blend of Andean and Spanish styles of music. Ancient Peruvian instruments

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