This stop-action video documents a Despacho ceremony created in Cusco, combining traditional Andean ritual with contemporary elements. The piece features excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech as a mantra, accompanied by Tito La Rosa and Mary Youngblood's musical composition "ONE NATION." The work seeks peace and justice through ancient Andean ritual practice.

The Despacho Ceremony:
In Quechua culture, a Despacho (Spanish for "dispatch") is a ceremonial offering performed by Andean priests to maintain harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountains). Similar to a Tibetan Sand Mandala, this ritual art form creates a microcosm of Andean life, designed to nourish the natural world while protecting humanity.

The artists later collaborated on "Hanaqpacha Intiq Sombran" (The Mother Earth Sun Shadow) with Pampamisayoq practitioners Mariano Quispe Flores, Santiago Quispe Qhapaq, Benito Apaza Lunasco, Lorenzo Qhapaq Apaza, and Nicolas Flores Apaza.

Upon completing this work, the group performed a Despacho ceremony at TIPON, the Inca Water temple near Cusco. This ceremony was documented in the video "Ayni=Reciprocity," featuring Don Mariano leading the ritual surrounded by Benito, Santiago, Nicolas, and Lorenzo. These artistic partnerships have evolved into lasting friendships and spiritual connections.

Please send us a message if you are interested in working with the Q’ero at CHOKECHAKA.