In an area bordering the Andean and Amazonian zones of northern Peru, an indigenous people of the highland forests are known as “Lamistas” or “Kichwa-Lamistas”. The name Kichwa simply refers to the Quechuan language of Amazonia which they speak and Lamistas to the city of Lamas in San Martin Province where they reside [1]; however, these people currently prefer to be called “Keshwa Lamas” [2].

Within the city, Lamistas largely inhabit the suburb of Wayku where they return on weekends after hunting in the forests and tending their crops in areas up to two day’s travel away. Among the crops they cultivate are rice, coffee, cotton, maize, manioc, squash, peanuts, pineapple, “sacha inchi” (Inca nut), and various beans [1].

Shamanism

Lamista shaman, the majority of whom are male, specialize in tree-bark medicine or what is called “the path of the paleros”. Tree barks are used to make tonics, elixirs, and medicines which the shamans categorize in accordance with the properties of the sap, seeds, roots and bark as well as the perceived stature of the trees [2].

Ceramics

For generations, the Lamista community has produced beautiful ceramics. Using clay as the primary material and natural earth pigments to paint the ceramics, the Lamistas created not only traditional art but useful tools for day to day activites. Today, this tradition is threatened with extinction as younger generations have little to no interest in the craft. If you would like to learn how you can help, click here to find out about our collaboration with NGO Sensata and their project to preserve the ceramic legacy of the Lamistas.

References:

[1]. Kichwa-Lamista people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kichwa-Lamista_people

[2]. Barbara-Freedman, Francoise (2010). "Shamanic Plants and Gender in the Healing Forest". In Hsu, E, Harris, S (eds.). Plants, Health and Healing: On the Interface of Ethnobotany and Medical Anthropology. Berghahn Books. pp. 135–178.