“Wishing Hill”, hybrid cults in a Christian sanctuary

Abstract

Introduction: This paper analyzes the ritual practice of the Qochos on the Hill of Wishes and of Christian priests at the Sanctuary of the Lord of Locumba, in the Locumba Valley, southern Peru. In spite of centuries of evangelization, the Qochos maintain their original ritual schemes, fused with Christian practices. Methodology: The research is based on participant observation and interviews with the protagonists of the rituals in different periods. The ethnographic information obtained was classified in segments for its interpretation from a semiotic perspective. Results: It is observed that the ritual practices of the Qochos and the Christians, although framed in parallel contexts, present a syncretic fusion. Both groups share an isotopy of wish fulfillment. Discussion: Syncretism emerges as the key concept to describe rituality on the Hill of Wishes. The signifying configurations of both groups reflect a common purpose: wish fulfillment. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that syncretism is central to the rituality of the Hill of Wishes, evidencing how indigenous and Christian practices amalgamate, expressing a shared desire for spiritual fulfillment.