Aymara's Music Poscast

Tinku is a energetic dance from Bolivia, this dance comes from a form of ritual conflict practiced by local people in modern-day southern Peru and Bolivia. In a local kinship system people are divided to two halves or moieties, which have unequal status. The word "Tinku" belongs to the Quechua language and means encounter, meeting. Tinku takes place on specified holidays, when the members of moieties, both men and women, fight hand-to-hand with those of the other moiety. In Bolivia, the Tinku is held around the 3rd of May and lasts for a few days. Though the conflict is largely symbolic and ceremonial, the brawl may inflict real, serious physical harm that may sometimes be fatal. Status of a specific moiety is determined by this conflict. Tinkus are very festive, with an audience of men, women, and children, who bring food and drink. Alcohol is also brought and is sometimes sold along with food during the tinku. More information about Los Kjarkas: Grupo Los Kjarkas - The best from Bolivia