Ayllus
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An ayllu is a unit of familial or local self-organization, particularly in rural areas. Ayllu is a word in both the Quechua and Aymara languages referring to a network of families in a given area, often with a putative or fictive common ancestor.[1] Ayllus are distinguished by comparative self-sufficiency, commonly held territory, and relations of reciprocity.[1] Members engage in shared collective labor (Quechua: minga) and in reciprocal exchanges of assistance (Quechua: ayni).[2]
Ayllus are an indigenous local government model across the Andes region of South America, particularly in Bolivia and Peru. Ayllus functioned prior to Inca conquest, during the Inca and Spanish colonial period, and continue to exist to the present day.[1]
The head of an Ayllu is called a Mallku which means, literally, Condor but is a title which can be roughly transliterated as prince. Representatives from the Ayllus are sent to the National Council of Ayllus and Markas of Qullasuyu (Conamaq). This body chooses an Apu Mallku as its head.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Lewellen, Ted C. (2003). Political anthropology: An introduction. ABC-CLIO. pp. 38–39. ISBN 9780897898911.
- ^ Bahr, Ann Marie B.; Martin E. Marty (2005-03). Indigenous religions. Infobase Publishing. pp. 135–36. ISBN 9780791080955.
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