QUESWACHAKA, THE LAST BRIDGE OF THE INCAS

  

In the Quechua language, QESWACHAKA means "straw rope bridge." Today, it is the only bridge from the Inca era. It reminds us of the skill of our ancestors, who, overcoming difficult geography and connecting their vast network of roads, used suspension bridges to cross chasms and rivers. 

 Following an ancient tradition, each year the native communities of the area renew this unique suspension bridge. It is both a symbol of cultural resilience and demonstrates the vitality of the indigenous peoples who continue to keep their traditions alive.

  

Qeswachaka is the bridge that the Incas used to cross the Apurimac River. It is located at 3,700 meters above sea level and is made from a plant fiber that grows in the Peruvian Andes called Ichu. The bridge was declared an intangible cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 2013. Its annual renewal is a popular festival, involving four native communities for centuries. They weave the bridge over a four-day period, which, according to tradition, begins on the first Sunday in June. It involves a ritual that dates back to the time of the Incas.

  

As we have mentioned, this work, which has a ritual character, is renewed every year by four indigenous peoples, and the chronological sequence is as follows: 

 DAY 1: At first light, everything begins with an offering to the sacred mountain QUINSALLAWAWI, as if asking the mountain for permission. The gathering of materials (Ichu straw) begins immediately afterward. This is a task mostly attended by women, who are responsible for weaving the first ropes, which are then given to each man participating in this particular endeavor. Two groups of men gather above each side of the bridge and begin to stretch out the thicker ropes. The "chakaruhac," a type of Inca engineer, meticulously oversees all the work.

 DAY 2: The second day begins by untying the ropes of the old bridge, while the new ropes are braided, once this process is finished the thickest ropes are thrown from one side of the abyss to the other, a group of men must throw 6 thick ropes, 4 will be used for the base of the bridge and the other 2 for the railings.

  

DAY 3: On this day, from early in the morning, the residents of each village alternately weave the surface of the bridge and its respective railings. By the time the bridge falls, the bridge will be finished. This is a moment of jubilation for the residents, who celebrate by dancing and drinking the sacred chicha (corn liquor). It should be noted that only men participate in the construction of the bridge, while women dedicate themselves to preparing food and drinks. 

DAY 4: This is a special day, where they test that the bridge is in optimal condition. As a final corollary, each village that participated in this traditional festivity dances in their traditional costumes. At the end of the day, one by one, they return to their villages with the promise of returning the following year to renovate this unique and symbolic bridge.

  

In conclusion, we could say that this iconic bridge, 1.2 meters wide and 28 meters long, has a very special meaning. It represents communal work between peoples, ancestral heritage, social ties, ancestral knowledge, identity, and today it is a living symbol of the ancient traditions of the Andean people.