A QUICHUA MOTHER.
The old Peru is passing,—the dominant traits of the nation are changing,—new life is apparent in its ideals, its institutions, in the spirit that rules society and politics, in everything that shows the influence of a broader outlook, a greater range of endeavor, a loftier aspiration. The traditions of caste and the contempt for utilitarian ideals which constituted a part of the creed of the colonial aristocracy have given place to an appreciation of true worth wherever found; the worship of luxury and pleasure has ceased to hold in thrall a people cradled in the pernicious atmosphere of a too abundant wealth, and the discipline of suffering and loss has brought out the inherent strength of a proud and gifted race; stimulated by the necessity of keeping up with the march of modern progress in order that their country may maintain the place to which its past history and present possibilities entitle it, the Peruvians of to-day are putting forth determined and well-defined efforts to overcome every obstacle in the path of their highest development—and they are achieving phenomenal success.
But there is still much of the old Peru that it is to be hoped will long remain. The picturesque charm which lingers about the ancient people of the sierra, in their quaint costumes and primitive ways, has apparently lost little by the advent of modern conditions; these children of a fading past are as much attached to their time-honored dress and to their traditional occupations as any Oriental, and it will be a long time before a pronounced change in this particular is likely to take place. During the colonial period the Indians were obliged to adopt some features of the Spanish garb,—probably to please their Christian masters,—and it is not known how long the process of transformation required; but the present fashion of the Indians of Cuzco and other localities of the sierra is a survival of the costume worn in the time of the first Spanish Bourbon kings, while their jewels still show the coat-of-arms of Charles V. Although there is no difference in dress to distinguish the Indian in authority from his followers, the Alcalde of the sierra is recognized as a very important personage among his fellows by the silver-bound vara which he carries; it is the emblem of his authority and is in his eyes more than a mere symbol; he will not part with it for an instant and he would feel himself bereft of his power to rule if it were taken away.
DESCENDANTS OF THE INCAS’ SUBJECTS.
Though obedient to the Catholic faith, the Indians have their own celebrations in addition to those of the church; they still observe the feasts of the seedtime and harvest, as did their heathen ancestors, though many features of the festivities as originally practised have been eliminated. The tenacity with which they hold to their traditions is seen in many things. When a new house is built, it is decorated with flowers—a survival of the ceremonies held on such occasions in the days of the Incas—and a party is invited to celebrate the event. Over the doors of some old houses are symbols of both Incaic and Christian worship, though this is not seen on the more recently built homes, the roofs of which, with few exceptions, are adorned with a large tin cross, about two feet high, having attached to it small copies of the various instruments of torture used at the crucifixion of our Saviour, as well as other reminders of that tragedy; the spear that pierced his side, the long pole and sponge on which vinegar was given to quench his thirst, the garment for which they cast lots, and even the cock that crowed when Peter had thrice denied his master, are represented in conjunction with the central emblem of Christianity. The domicile of a bridal couple is easily distinguished by its being decorated with branches of totora (bulrushes) which are kept in evidence for eight days and signify that an invitation is extended to all friends to partake of the hospitality of the newly married pair.
A TYPE OF THE AMAZON INDIAN.
THE SCION OF A NOBLE FAMILY OF THE FOREST.