Inca Music, Journeys and Rituals

Directed by Anja Dalhoff, for Angel Productions

Two Peruvian musicians, Ebert and Jabier, have dedicated their lives to researching the ancient musical traditions of Peru. Ebert reproduces the old instruments, using natural materials such as bamboo, clay, bone and horn. He also collects the music for the Peruvian Institute for Culture and teaches it to children so it will survive.

After being blessed by a medicine man in a sacred ritual, Ebert and Jabier journey into the rain forest where they visit three tribal communities. In the first village, where Machiguenga Indians live, only the old shaman still remembers the songs. In another village, Palotoa, very few recall their traditions. The missionaries' threats of "burning in hell" have made the Indians afraid to practice their original rituals. In the last village they visit, Diamante, the inhabitants have completely lost their identity due to the destructive influence of the timber company, the missionaries and tourism. Children are ashamed of being Indian and the women only dance when a tourist boat sails by. Saddened by this erosion of cultural roots,the two musicians will nevertheless preserve the music that a few of the elderly shared with them.

"Recommended for Anthropology, Dance, Music and Sociology." Dr. Brad Eden, University of Nevada for EMRO

"Recommended. The viewer can see the effects of civilization, money and drinking on the sociology and anthropology of Peruvian society, especially in the remote villages." Dr. Brad Eden, Head Bibliographic and Metadata Services, University of Nevada, EMRO

30 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $55