THE UKUKU CHASQUI
Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Last year my peruvian friend Wesr and me painted this mural that draws inspiration from the ancient Inca messenger Chaski and the Mithology figure of the Ukuku, hailing from the mystical lands of Peru. This enchanting artwork weaves together our different lines of work and we combine the Ukuku and the Chaski, and symbolic elements, such as keys and arrows, in order to convey a more symbolic and profound message.
The Chaski originating from Peru, is a fascinating and significant cultural figure. Also known as the "messengers," they play a vital role in Inca history. Chaskis were tasked with delivering important messages across vast distances in the Andes mountains. The Ukuku were believed to have a spiritual connection with bears and possessed the ability of protect and to communicate with the natural world.
Symbolizing strength, resilience, and protection, we weave together the Mythological Ukuku and the Messenger Chaski, (like nowadays you can see on festivities in Peru, with their distinct costumes and masks resembling bears). This “Ukuku Chaski” embody a powerful presence that commanded respect and awe. The “Ukuku Chaski” serves as a reminder of the rich indigenous heritage and spiritual beliefs that continue to influence the Peruvian culture to this day.
In the mural the “Ukuku Chaski” is presented as the central figure, in a magnificent display of energy and strength, like captured in powerful strides, traversing a long distance to deliver his important message.
The symbolic use of keys arrows in this mural, strategically placed throughout the piece, serves as a vivid representation of the unlocking of knowledge and wisdom, just as the Chaskis tirelessly delivered messages throughout the Inca Empire, the key arrows in this mural symbolize direction and progress. They serve as a reminder that communication, both spoken and unspoken, plays an integral role in our ever-evolving world. These arrows guide us towards uncharted territories of discovery, prompting us to question, learn, and grow.
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Through this mural, our aim was to emphasize the importance of communication, exploration, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. In a time where our world is constantly evolving, it is crucial that we remain open to new ideas, new possibilities and new horizons.
